A St. Thomas man arrested last year in a sex trafficking case is facing additional charges involving a number of young female victims.
Last May, the St. Thomas Police Service (STPS) announced charges against 59-year Eugene Andre Francois, for offences including trafficking a person under the age of 18, and sexual assault and exploitation of a woman who was reportedly trafficked by Francois for months when she was a minor in 2013.
At the time of his arrest, police said it is possible that are other victims as the accused taught music lessons and often had contact with minors.
Following Francois’ arrest, police obtained warrants to search his home which resulted in officers seizing numerous electronic devices. St. Thomas police officials say this is the largest computers and devices seizure in the history of the service.
“During a year long investigation and analysis of the devices, it was determined that Francois had been filming female victims in his apartment without their knowledge or consent,” a release from the STPS read. “Francois operated a popular music studio that offered music and recording lessons and a number of female victims had been captured on video, some victims being underage.”
Police have since laid 16 charges against Francois relating to 10 victims that include voyeurism, making child pornography and possession of child pornography.
Investigators have processed thousands of images which revealed several unidentified victims. Some of the photos and videos date back to 13 years ago.
“If you are a female who attended the residence of Eugene Francois between 2009 and May of 2021, the St. Thomas Police urge you to please contact our Criminal Investigation Branch if you have not already,” police officials said.
Inquiries can be made confidentially to STPS Detective Sergeant Aaron Fraser at 519-631-1224 extension: 4300 or by email at afraser@stps.on.ca.
