Abby O'Brien

DURHAM REGIONAL POLICE MEDIA RELEASE
MAY 2, 2023

A 32-year-old male is facing charges in relation to the purchase of sexual services from three different sex professionals.

In February 2023, members of the Human Trafficking Unit became aware of a male who had communicated with a sex professional working within Durham Region. The suspect arranged to meet with the female for the purposes of receiving sexual services. Upon meeting, they engaged in sexual intercourse, however the suspect then refused to pay. During the investigation, one other woman came forward and reported two similar incidents involving the same suspect.

Janarthanan SATHIANATHAN, age 32, of Ajax is charged with Theft Under $5000 x3 and Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration x3.

He was released on an Undertaking.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have had contact with the suspect and experienced similar incidents to contact investigators.

Investigators would further like to remind the community of the 2013 Supreme Court decision that ruled Canadas laws in relation to prostitution were considered unconstitutional. The laws changed to provide a layer of safety for those involved in the sex trade however, the purchase of these services continues to be illegal. The sex trade is still considered a high-risk lifestyle and police would like to remind those involved of the resources available.

Click here to see resources available.
https://www.stopht.com/home

To view the Bedford decision, click here.
https://scc-csc.lexum.com/scc-csc/scc-csc/en/item/13389/index.do

Anyone with new information about this investigation is asked to contact the Human Trafficking Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5600.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.