A Nova Scotia lawyer is facing human trafficking and prostitution-related charges following a three-month police investigation.
Kings District RCMP started investigating after receiving information about potential prostitution activity in Greenwich, N.S. in July.
Police say they found evidence to support human trafficking and prostitution-related offences involving a 46-year-old male suspect and a 26-year-old female victim over the course of the investigation.
Court documents allege the incidents started a year before investigators became involved.
Duane Alan Rhyno was arrested Tuesday evening.
The 46-year-old Lower Sackville man faces one count each of human trafficking, financial gain from human trafficking, aiding and abetting prostitution, living off the avails of prostitution, and sexual assault.
“This is a victim-focused investigation. The RCMP has a very low tolerance and is very serious on human trafficking and prostitution,” says Kings District RCMP Insp. Chris MacNaughton.
This isn’t the first time Rhyno has been in trouble with the law; he was once convicted of operating a vehicle while impaired and is facing additional charges in connection with drinking and driving, but they have yet to be proven in court.
Rhyno, who has been practising law for 16 years, has also run into professional problems; he has been suspended by the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society for professional misconduct on two separate occasions. In addition to the suspensions, he was required to pay nearly $40,000 in fines.
“Our immediate concern, while Mr. Rhyno remains in custody, is management of his client files,” said the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society in a statement.
“There is no reason to suggest his clients’ legal matters are in any jeopardy, but we are acting as quickly as we can to ensure their interests are protected.”
Police say the case is isolated and they don’t believe it involves a prostitution ring or more victims. They say they are now focusing on protecting the alleged victim.
“Our Kings County RCMP domestic violence and sexual assault co-ordinator has been working very closely with the victim to make sure that she has all available resources in place for her safety and also for her to find a safe haven,” says MacNaughton.
Rhyno made a brief court appearance Wednesday afternoon.
He will remain in custody until Thursday, when lawyers and a judge will be back in court to discuss possible release conditions.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Kelland Sundahl
