Posted:
A woman faces prostitution and human trafficking charges after an investigation by the HRP/RCMP Integrated Vice Unit.
On June 13, Vice investigators commenced an investigation regarding a woman directed and influenced underage girls for the purpose of prostitution. The investigation led officers to interview two female youths under the age of 16 who had been coerced to continue working in the sex trade. The investigation also revealed that, on two separate occasions, the woman used a weapon to assault one of the victims. The woman was arrested without incident yesterday at her Herring Cove Road residence.
Twenty-three-year-old Tashlynn Marie Shaw was held in custody overnight and will appear in Halifax Provincial Court later today. She has been charged with the following offences:
- Trafficking a person under the age of 18 (x2)
- Material benefit (x2)
- Invitation to sexual touching (x2)
- Exercising control, direction or influence over the movements of a person to aid in prostitution (x2)
- Living off the avails of prostitution of a person under the age of 18 (x2)
- Counseling a person under the age of 18 to engage in prostitution (x2)
- Using intimidation or coercion in relation to someone under the age of 18 to engage in prostitution (x2)
- Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose (x2)
- Assault with a weapon (x2)
- Luring of a child under the age of 18
- Assault causing bodily harm
- Forcible confinement
- Assault
Investigators believe that there may be more victims and urge anyone with information about this case or underage prostitution to contact police at 490-5016. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or texting a tip - Tip 202 + your message to 274637.