Email icon Back to Search

In September 2024, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Human Trafficking Unit along with detectives and uniform patrol officers from the NRPS 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara on the Lake) office commenced an investigation into human trafficking.  The alleged trafficking of a female over the age of 18 occurred throughout the City of Niagara Falls. 

As a result of the investigation, a male suspect was identified.  On Wednesday, September 11th, 2024, 2 District detectives and uniform patrol officers located and arrested the male suspect in the City of Niagara Falls.

Jose DEFRIAS (34 years) of Niagara Falls is facing the following criminal charges:

  • Trafficking in Persons
  • Procuring
  • Material Benefit from Trafficking in Persons
  • Material Benefit from Sexual Services
  • Advertising Another Person’s Sexual Services
  • Robbery
  • Assault
  • Uttering Threats

DEFRAIS is being held in custody pending a bail hearing, which is expected to take place September 11th, 2024, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in the City of St. Catharines.

The investigation remains ongoing as detectives suspect there may be more victims. Anyone who may have more information is asked to contact detectives by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009544.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.  Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

#24-102086