The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has arrested an Oakville woman following a joint human trafficking investigation.
In September 2025, members of the HRPS Human Trafficking Unit, along with members of the Peel Regional Police Vice Unit began a joint investigation into allegations that three adult female victims were being exploited by the accused while the victims were being trafficked in the sex trade throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Police allege that the accused used coercion, manipulation, physical violence, and psychological harm to maintain control and influence over the victims, while she benefitted financially from the exploitation.
On Wednesday, October 1st, the HRPS executed a Criminal Code Search warrant at a residence in Oakville where multiple electronics were seized.
As a result of the investigation, on Thursday, October 16th, 33-year-old Shemica Duncan was arrested and charged with the following:
- Trafficking in Persons (2 Counts)
- Material Benefit – Trafficking in Persons (2 Counts)
- Material Benefit – Sexual Services (2 Counts)
- Procuring (6 Counts)
- Advertise Sexual Services (3 Counts)
- Assault with a Weapon
- Choking
- Forcible Confinement (2 Counts)
- Utter Threats
She has been held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.
Duncan has utilized the alias of ‘Coco’. Investigators believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information, or anyone who has been victimized by the accused is asked to contact Detective Scott Heyerman of the Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 4973.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
The following has also been provided by the HRPS:
Victims of violence and/or sexual assault and witnesses are encouraged to contact the Halton Regional Police Service. The following is a list of valuable support services and resources in our region for victims of violence and/or sexual assault:
- Halton Regional Police Service Victim Services Unit 905-825-4777 ext. 5239 or by email at VictimServices@haltonpolice.ca
- Nina’s Place Sexual Assault and Domestic Assault Care Centre 905-336-4116 or 905-681-4880
- Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS) 905-875-1555 (24-hour crisis line)
- Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 (24-hour crisis line)
- THRIVE Counselling 905-845-3811 or 905-637-5256
- ROCK (Reach Out Centre for Kids) 905-878-9785 (24-hour crisis line)
Signs / Indicators of Human Trafficking
- Not being allowed to speak for themselves;
- Not having control of their own money or cellphone;
- Suddenly having a new or second cell phone with a secret number;
- Being controlled by others and escorted at all times;
- Not being allowed to contact family or friends;
- Withdrawing from family and friends;
- Providing rehearsed answers to casual questions;
- Being secretive about their activities;
- Showing signs of abuse, such as bruising, cigarette burns, fractures, etc.
- Having a new boyfriend, girlfriend, or friend who they won’t introduce to friends/family; and
- Having new items (clothing, jewellery, etc.) outside their financial means.
What Should I Do If I Think Someone is a Victim of Trafficking?
If there is immediate danger or if you suspect someone is being trafficked, call 9-1-1.
You may also call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010.
The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline is a confidential, multilingual service, operating 24/7 to connect victims and survivors with social services, law enforcement, and emergency services, as well as receive tips from the public. The hotline uses a victim-centered approach when connecting human trafficking victims and survivors with local emergency, transition, and/or long-term supports and services across the country, as well as connecting callers to law enforcement, where appropriate.
