NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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In September 2023 the Niagara Regional Police Service Human Trafficking Unit, with the assistance of the Halton Regional Police Human Trafficking Unit, launched an investigation.
The investigation centred around the trafficking of an adult female for a sexual purpose in the Niagara Region. A male and female suspect were identified.
As a result of the ongoing investigation, on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, Kendra Karen Candler (22 years) and Lavelle Taitt (28 years) both of St. Catharines were arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
• Trafficking in persons
• Material benefit from sexual services
• Material benefit from trafficking in persons
• Procuring
• Advertising another person’s sexual services
Candler and Taitt have been held in custody pending a bail hearing scheduled to take place on Sept. 22, 2023, via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church St. in the City of St. Catharines.
Detectives have reason to believe there could be further victims. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the lead detective at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009717.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
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