Upper Hammonds Plains man accused of kidnapping, human trafficking teen girls
Leeanthon Oliver, 32, faces 21 charges
A 32-year-old man from Upper Hammonds Plains, N.S., faces 21 charges in connection with the human trafficking of two 15-year-old girls.
Leeanthon Oliver appeared in Halifax Provincial Court in early February and again Monday after the second teen came forward.
"We allege that Mr. Oliver sexually assaulted, lured, kidnapped and human trafficked both of these children," Crown attorney Catherine Cogswell said after court.
Cogswell said the teens, whose names are protected, were allegedly held against their will.
Surprise case
Unlike other similar cases, this one dropped out of the blue, said Cogswell.
"I can indicate that one girl had called a friend who in turn called the RCMP who in turn picked the girl up on the street and then the investigation was just ongoing from there," she said, adding that there may be more victims.
Cogswell said the first girl asked for help, while the second girl accepted help once RCMP found out about her and contacted her.
Oliver has been remanded in custody until April 11, when he will be back in court for a show-cause hearing.
With files from Angela MacIvor