A Durham human trafficking investigation has led to charges against a 42-year-old Toronto man, with police asking anyone who may have information about the case to come forward.
Durham Regional Police announced the charges on November 3. Investigators say the case began in the summer of 2026, when a woman reported that she had been exploited in the sex trade between June 2024 and October 2025.
Investigation followed woman’s report
According to DRPS, its Human Trafficking Unit investigated allegations that a suspect recruited the woman through a mutual friend and forced her into the sex trade across the Greater Toronto Area.
Police say officers executed a search warrant at the accused’s Toronto residence on November 2 and arrested him without incident.
Jean Peralta Marseille, 42, of Toronto, is charged with trafficking in persons, material benefit from sexual services, procuring or exercising control, advertising sexual services, and withholding or destroying identity documents. Police also list three counts of possession of a Schedule I substance.
The allegations have not been proven in court. The police release does not announce a trial date or a court decision.
Police appeal for information
Investigators believe there may be other victims. Anyone with information about the Durham human trafficking investigation is asked to contact the DRPS Human Trafficking Unit at 1-888-579-1520, extension 5600, the number provided in the official release.
The announcement does not identify the woman. No identifying details about her are included here.
Sources
Featured image: original editorial illustration, not documentary photography.
