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Five people face charges and two firearms were seized as a result of a human trafficking investigation dubbed Project Aserale.
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Durham Regional Police say London Police started an investigation in 2023 that involved a male suspect in Pickering – and Durham cops took over the probe in 2024.
As part of the investigation, officers executed search warrants at residences in Pickering, Thorold and Oshawa and several items were allegedly seized including two firearms, approximately 1.5 kgs of cocaine, a large quantity of other narcotics and more than $115,000 in cash.
It’s alleged the accused man that sparked the investigation – who was arrested and charged on March 22 – was using various adult entertainment establishments and online platforms to traffic victims throughout the GTA.
Michael Mitchell, 33, of Pickering, is charged with two counts of trafficking in persons, material benefits from sexual services, procuring/exercising control, procuring/recruit person to provide sexual services, two counts of careless storage of a firearm, robbery, two counts of a loaded firearm and possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (percocet).
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Police have released his photo out of concern for the possibility of other alleged victims.
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Four other suspects were also arrested in Project Aserale.
Katelyn Sergnese, 26, of Thorold, is charged with two counts of careless storage of a firearm, two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, two counts of possess a loaded firearm and possession schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (percocet).
Evan Mitchell, 31, of Pickering, is charged with two counts of possession of a schedule I substance for the purposes of trafficking (cocaine; percocet) and possess property obtained by crime over $5000.
Nathan Mitchell, 31, of Pickering, is charged with possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (hydromorphone).
And Christopher Levasseur, 37, of Oshawa, is charged with possession of schedule I substance for the purposes of trafficking (cocaine) and failure to comply with a release order.
Anyone who has been victimized or has any information about this or similar incidents is asked to call the Human Trafficking Unit at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 5600, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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