By Laura Steiner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton ReporterSource
A 45-year-old Grimsby man is facing more than a dozen charges following a two-month human trafficking investigation led by the Halton Regional Police Service, in collaboration with Peel Regional Police and the Ontario Provincial Police’s Intelligence-Led Joint Forces Strategy (IJFS) Team.
Police say Nathan Johnson was arrested in Hamilton on June 3 following a joint investigation that uncovered evidence of two adult women being trafficked across Ontario in 2024 and 2025. Investigators allege the accused exploited the victims using coercion, manipulation, physical violence and psychological abuse, all while profiting from their forced sex work.
Johnson, who is known to use the aliases “Dingo” and “Dante,” allegedly kept the women in constant fear for their safety, preventing them from leaving or seeking help.
As part of the arrest, search warrants were executed at locations in Hamilton and Grimsby. Officers seized over $37,000 in Canadian currency, body armour, 11.2 grams of fentanyl, 5.9 grams of cocaine, and various items believed to be connected to the human trafficking offences.
Johnson is charged with two counts of human trafficking, four counts of procuring, two counts of receiving a material benefit from human trafficking, two counts of receiving a material benefit from sexual services, two counts of advertising sexual services, two counts of assault, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance.
He has been remanded into custody and is awaiting a bail hearing in Milton.
The Halton police believe there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with information or who may have been victimized by the accused to contact Det. Scott Heyerman of the Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 4973.
A photo of the accused was released alongside the announcement, with authorities hoping to encourage more potential victims or witnesses to come forward.
The HRPS thanked its policing partners and the Government of Ontario for their support in this case. The investigation was funded through the Ministry of the Solicitor General under the IJFS initiative, which focuses on coordinated human trafficking enforcement efforts across the province.
Police emphasized the importance of public awareness and community support in combatting human trafficking, highlighting several key indicators to help identify potential victims. These include individuals being closely monitored or controlled, having restricted access to money or communication, showing physical signs of abuse, and withdrawing from usual social interactions.
Residents are urged to report suspected trafficking immediately by calling 9-1-1 or contacting the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010. The 24-hour, multilingual hotline provides confidential access to support services and law enforcement where appropriate.
The Halton Regional Police Service encourages anyone affected by violence or exploitation to reach out to the following local support services:
· Halton Regional Police Victim Services Unit: 905-825-4777 ext. 5239 or VictimServices@haltonpolice.ca
· Nina’s Place Sexual Assault and Domestic Assault Care Centre: 905-336-4116
· Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS): 905-875-1555 (24-hour crisis line)
· Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (24-hour crisis line)
· THRIVE Counselling: 905-845-3811
· Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK): 905-878-9785 (24-hour crisis line)
Police say the investigation remains ongoing.
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