Simon Rypiak, who uses the alias Simon Ross, is charged with three counts of procuring sexual services, assault causing bodily harm, three counts of benefitting from sexual services and two counts of procuring sexual services from someone under 18-years-old.
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February 03, 2017 - 9:00 PM
KELOWNA – A local man is headed to trial for allegedly luring, sexually assaulting and forcing women from four provinces into prostitution.
Simon Walter Rypiak, 33, is believed to have sexually assaulted and used violence to injure, intimidate and control at least nine women from B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec.
The women are all between 15- and 20-years-old, according to RCMP.
In August, Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey said the investigation began in the fall of 2015 and involved police from all four provinces.
At the time police believed most of the women were targeted online and through social media before being forced to work as escorts.
“The RCMP are concerned there are more victims who have not yet come forward to police,” O’Donaghey said. “We would like to encourage these individuals to come forward for help.”
Rypiak, who uses the alias Simon Ross, is charged with three counts of procuring sexual services, assault causing bodily harm, three counts of benefitting from sexual services and two counts of procuring sexual services from someone under 18-years-old.
Although he appeared in Kelowna court this week, because of a publication ban, it is unclear when the trial will begin.
O’Donaghey said today no more victims have come forward since the summer, however witnesses have provided police with valuable leads in the case.
Anyone who may have been victimized, solicited, or has any information that may assist in the RCMP investigation, is asked to contact Const. Greg Willcocks of the Kelowna RCMP General Investigations Section at 250-470-6317. Remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2017