Curtis Bartlett, accused of pimping, trafficking in persons under 18 and advertising sexual services, was trying Wednesday at the Laval courthouse to regain his freedom while awaiting trial.
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“The public prosecutor strongly objects to the release of Mr. Curtis,” Crown prosecutor Me Jessica Bergeron told TVA Nouvelles.
Laval police said in a statement released Monday that the 27-year-old accused would have maintained control of several girls, escorts, some of whom were minors.
He would first have pretended to be a client with them.
Investigators fear there are other victims.
“Investigations have shown that Mr. Curtis Bartlett would have been very active in terms of human trafficking and the sale of narcotics on the territory of Laval. He promised them a prosperous lifestyle, then also provided them with drugs, including hard drugs. We were told that there are some young girls, or some ladies, who had never used hard drugs before meeting him,” said Erika Landry, spokesperson for the Ville de Laval police department.
A publication ban prevents the disclosure of evidence presented at Curtis Bartlett’s bail hearing.
The decision in the case is due Thursday.
