One of two men wanted in connection with a human trafficking investigation that led to the rescue of two teens has been arrested and now faces two dozen charges.
In a statement released Friday morning, investigators say the man turned himself in to police on Thursday. He faces 24 charges, including trafficking of a person under the age of 18 years, forcible confinement, and pointing a firearm.
His arrest comes after an Oct. 9 investigation in the Downsview neighbourhood, where two teens were rescued by members of the human trafficking enforcement team.
Police say an 18-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl had been forced into the sex trade by two men.
"The men posted advertisements online of the victims, which depicted them in various states of undress," a statement from police said. "The victims were forced to turn over the money they made from providing sexual services."
Police were called to an apartment located in the Keele Street and Denbigh Crescent area following a call from the victims on Oct. 9. They say the men and the teens were involved in a dispute. One of the men pulled two loaded firearms and pointed them at the women.
"The men threatened to kill the victims and showed them the ammunition in the firearms," police said in the statement.
A search warrant was obtained, and police later recovered a large quantity of cocaine, marijuana, and two firearms. Ammunition, counterfeit U.S. currency, mobile phones and other electronics were also recovered.
Solomon Houlder, 20, of Toronto faces 24 charges. He was scheduled to appear in court Friday morning.
Police are still searching for Omar Dewdney, 28, of Toronto. He faces 14 charges, including sexual exploitation, pointing a firearm and threatening death.
Police say Dewdney is considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477)
