Two arrested in Niagara human trafficking investigation

Police have arrested a man and a young woman from Niagara Falls in connection with a human trafficking investigation dating back to August. 

The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) initiated the investigation which focused on the alleged trafficking of a girl under the age of 18 which happened within the GTA and Niagara Region.

On Oct.15, 43-year-old Christopher St. Louis of Niagara Falls was arrested and charged with procuring people under 18 years of age

This morning, 18-year-old Samantha Rizzardo of Niagara Falls was arrested and faces multiple related to human trafficking and child pornography.

READ MORE: Niagara police seek man suspected of a sexual assault in Welland

Both St. Louis and Rizzardo are being held in custody pending a bail hearing, which is expected to take place today, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in the City of St Catharines.

Detectives have believe there are additional victims and survivors, and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone who may have information about this investigation is asked to contact detectives by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009736.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.  

Survivors of Human Trafficking are encouraged to contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-833-900-1010.