Fourth sex assault suspect turns himself in, Nova Scotia, July 31

http://thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotia/850408.html

Fourth sex assault suspect turns himself in
Man part of N.S. gang believed to be involved in human trafficking
By LAURA FRASER 5:33 AM
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The fourth man wanted by Ontario police for human trafficking and the sexual assault of a Nova Scotia woman turned himself in early Monday morning, joining three other suspects believed to be members of a North Preston street gang.

Anthony Roberts, 22, walked into a Brampton police station with his lawyer and surrendered, Det. John Weisman of the Peel Regional Police special victims unit said Monday.
Mr. Roberts was denied bail in a court hearing later in the day. He and the three other suspects in the alleged human trafficking ring will return to a Brampton courthouse on Thursday for a special bail hearing.

All four men are charged with gang sexual assault, human trafficking, kidnapping, forcible confinement, assault and withholding documents. The charges stem from the alleged sexual assault of a 19-year-old Nova Scotia woman in Mississauga, Ont., on June 28.
Ernest Downey, 22, and Spencer Sinclair Thompson, 22, surrendered to Peel Regional Police last Thursday and remain in custody. Thomas Junior Downey was arrested in Ontario on July 10.
Police suspect Mr. Roberts has ties to the North Preston area, Det. Weisman said. Halifax Regional Police have said Mr. Roberts is known to them.

Det. Weisman said the four men are believed to be members of a Nova Scotia gang called North Preston’s Finest.

According to a Mississauga newspaper, Peel Regional Police believe the men may have been trying to coerce the alleged sexual assault victim to work in the sex trade and other women may have already been forced into the business.

( lfraser@herald.ca)
With Paul Everest