Halton Police Launch Project Lonestar to Combat Child Sexual Exploitation

By Shazia Nazir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

The Human Trafficking Unit of the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has initiated Project Lonestar, a focused effort aimed at identifying and apprehending individuals seeking sexual services from females under the age of 18.

Throughout the investigation, multiple suspects, despite being informed that they were communicating with a 15-year-old female, arranged meetings for sexual services. Six individuals were subsequently arrested and charged with allegations of sharing to obtain the sexual services of a person under the age of 18.

Inspector Dave Costantini, overseeing the service’s initiatives in human trafficking, emphasized the severity of the issue, stating, “Human Trafficking is hidden beneath the surface but exists in communities all over Ontario. It is an alarming and reprehensible crime.” Costantini highlighted the distressing reality of traffickers recruiting victims as young as 13 and the unimaginable conditions, manipulation, exploitation, and violence victims endure.

The HRPS Human Trafficking Strategy aligns with national and provincial plans, adopting an enhanced approach. Inspector Costantini affirmed the commitment to proactive and preventative measures like Project Lonestar, designed to identify, prosecute, and hold accountable those engaging in the predatory victimization of the most vulnerable.

Project Lonestar follows the success of Project Embark in 2022, marking the second consecutive year of initiatives targeting individuals seeking sexual services from children. Both projects employ covert investigative techniques, and in consideration of the ongoing nature of the investigation, the HRPS is withholding the names of the accused at this time.