The Nova Scotia Provincial Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) has charged a third person with human trafficking and financial crimes offences as part of an investigation that began in 2023. 

In 2023, HTU launched a sex trafficking investigation involving multiple victims in Nova Scotia. Over the course of the investigation, officers identified connections to New Brunswick and Ontario. 

In April 2026, officers safely arrested two people associated to this investigation.

On June 3, officers from HTU safely arrested a third person at a residence in Dartmouth. 

Coulton Downey, 38, of Dartmouth, is charged with Trafficking in Persons, Material Benefit from Trafficking, Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.  

He was released by police on conditions pending a first court appearance scheduled for June 22 at Dartmouth Provincial Court. 

The investigation is ongoing with support from the Forensic Accounting Management Group. 

“Victim safety and reducing the harms caused by human trafficking continue to be a priority for police and communities across Nova Scotia,” says Cpl. Brianna Taker, HTU. “We encourage members of the public to know and understand signs of human trafficking.”

Signs can include needing to regularly check in with someone via phone call or text, “love bombing” (receiving expensive gifts for no reason), withdrawal from family and friends, not having control over their money or personal documents (e.g., driver's licence, passport, etc.)