Amanda-Lee 11094 Report post Posted February 16, 2016 http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/human-trafficking-sexual-exploitation-teen-girl-1.3450130 An Ottawa man who has taught Sunday school to children was charged with human trafficking after police say he sexually exploited a 15-year-old girl. The 34-year-old man was arrested on Friday for offences related to crimes in 2013 and 2014, police said in a news release. Rev. Brent Russett, the pastor at Sunnyside Wesleyan Church in Old Ottawa South, said the charges have "nothing to do with our church." Russett confirmed that the man has been involved with the church for the past five years, and that the man's wife is the childrens' pastor at the church. He added that the man "hasn't volunteered around here all that much so I would not suspect that he has developed any kind of relationship with the vulnerable population in our church." Ottawa police charged the man with recruiting the 15-year-old girl for the purpose of trafficking and receiving material benefits from trafficking her. He was also charged with cocaine possession and driving with a suspended licence. The allegations have not been proven in court. Could be other victims Police said that an ongoing investigation indicates the man could have had inappropriate contact with other minors and that other charges could be laid. Russett said that the church has "a plan to protect" that dictates that at least two adults be present when working with children. "Volunteers don't get involved with kids outside of normal church hours unless they're following the plan to protect, which protects everyone," Russett said. Russett emphasized that it's a police and court matter, at this point. "I'm saddened for the family. I'm going to wait to see how all this plays out," he said. Anyone with information can call police at 613-236-1222, ext. 5005. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477, or by downloading the Ottawa Police app. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
