Man charged after allegedly trafficking, assaulting woman for months in Burlington, GTA

A 40-year-old man is facing several charges after allegedly trafficking a woman in Burlington and the Greater Toronto Area for months. (Halton Regional Police Service)

A 40-year-old man is facing a litany of charges after allegedly sexually trafficking and assaulting a woman in Burlington and the Greater Toronto Area for months.

Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) launched an investigation at the start of January after learning that woman was the victim of human trafficking.

Following an investigation by the human trafficking unit, investigators said the suspect allegedly physically and sexually assaulted, coerced, controlled, and exploited the woman in the sex trade, earning money off of her. Police said this happened for about 10 months.

On Monday, officers charged Michael Mazza, of no fixed address, with various offences including trafficking in persons, sexual assault causing bodily harm (choking), and fraud over $5,000 and two counts of assault. The charges have not been tested in court.

Police believe there may be more human trafficking victims in connection with this investigation and are urging anyone who is in immediate danger of being trafficked, or suspects someone they know is, to call 9-1-1 and the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010.

Halton police’s human trafficking unit is also asking anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers anonymously.