In August 2023, the Greater Sudbury Police Service Integrated Crime Section began a Human Trafficking-related investigation after receiving a report from a survivor of multiple sexual assaults and incidents of forcible confinement. To protect the survivor’s identity, no further details will be provided. 

As a result of the investigation, just after 7:00 a.m. on October 5, 2023, a search warrant was executed at a residence in Minnow Lake and an individual was taken into custody without incident. During the search warrant, officers located and seized 14 grams of Cocaine with a street value of approximately $1,400.

53-year-old, Douglas Bright of Greater Sudbury has been charged with the following offences under the Criminal Code of Canada:

  • Sexual assault
  • Sexual assault with a weapon
  • Human trafficking
  • Forcible confinement
  • Impeding attempt to save a life
  • Possession for the purpose of trafficking a schedule I substance
  • Possession of a schedule I substance

Douglas Bright appeared in bail court yesterday, October 5, 2023 to answer to the charges.

Based on the investigation, there are concerns that there may be other survivors. If you have any information related to this individual, please contact police at 705-675-9171.

If you have experienced a Sexual Assault, you have various options for reporting the incident(s) to police when you are ready to do so. In the case of an emergency, if you are in danger or need medical assistance or if the incident just took place/the person responsible is nearby, please call 9-1-1 immediately. If you are reporting a Sexual Assault after the fact and you do not believe that you require immediate assistance, you can call us at 705-675-9171 or you can report it online through the online reporting option on our website www.gsps.ca. There is also a page dedicated to reporting Sexual Assault with additional information including an Information Guide for Survivors of Sexual Assault. We know that this is a very difficult time for survivors and we want to provide you with the assistance, resources and support that you require.

GSPS is dedicated to a survivor-centred approach to incidents of sexual violence. Through the Trauma-informed Indigenous Prevention and Support Project in collaboration with Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre, N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre, Sudbury and Area Victim Services, survivors of Human Trafficking and Intimate Partner Violence can access the Guiding Our Path – Together We Heal Toolkit.

The Greater Sudbury Police Service Integrated Crime Section – Human Trafficking Unit is dedicated to investigating these heinous crimes against vulnerable members of our community and is committed to taking high-risk offenders off our streets. 

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