Human Trafficking Investigation Ends in Arrest
An ongoing investigation, which began in late November 2024 by the Barrie Police Service Human Trafficking Unit, concluded yesterday in North Bay, Ontario, after 33-year-old Marquis Clark was taken into custody.
Detectives from the Service’s Human Trafficking Unit were assisted throughout this complex investigation by the Provincial Human Trafficking Intelligence - Led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS) and yesterday, by the North Bay Police Service.
Clark, who was in possession of a loaded firearm at the time of his arrest, is facing charges that include:
- Assault with a weapon Section (2 counts)
- Trafficking in Persons - Under 18
- Material benefit resulting from Trafficking in Persons - Under 18
- Procuring - Under 18
- Material Benefit from Sexual Services - Under 18
- Utter threats to cause death
- Trafficking in a Schedule I Substance- Cocaine
- Possession of substance - Schedule I – Cocaine (2 counts)
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Schedule I – Cocaine
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Schedule I – Fentanyl
- Possession of substance - Schedule I – Fentanyl (2 counts)
- Possession of firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
- Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
- Possession of a weapon contrary to an order (2 counts).
The accused was transported back to Barrie Police Headquarters and remains in custody pending a bail hearing which is scheduled to take place later today, by video, with the Ontario Court of Justice located in Barrie.
Investigators believe that there may be additional human trafficking victims that have not yet reported their involvement with the accused to police. If you are a victim, you are encouraged to contact Detective Constable Salmon of the Barrie Police Human Trafficking Unit by email at msalmon@barriepolice.ca or by phone at 705-725-7025, extension 2637.
