Content Warning: This article contains information about sexual assault and exploitation that may be disturbing to some readers.
Winnipeg, MB – Winnipeg Police have arrested two individuals in connection with separate sexual exploitation investigations, highlighting the ongoing issue of sexual abuse and human trafficking in the city.
Former Student Support Worker Charged with Sexual Exploitation
In October 2024, the Winnipeg Police Service’s Sex Crimes Unit launched an investigation into a report of sexual exploitation. An adult survivor disclosed that between May 2019 and August 2020, while she was a teenager attending an after-school program within the Seven Oaks School Division, her student support worker, an adult male, groomed her and engaged in a sexually exploitative relationship.
On November 3rd, 2024, 37-year-old Matthew James Mousseau was arrested and charged with Sexual Assault and Sexual Exploitation. He was detained in custody.
Investigators have determined that Mousseau worked as a teacher in several Winnipeg schools until May 2024 but is no longer employed as a teacher.
Woman Charged with Human Trafficking and Procuring
In a separate case, the Counter Exploitation Unit (CEU) investigated a report from a woman in her 20s who disclosed being in a coercive relationship with an adult female known to her. The survivor reported being groomed with gifts, including clothing, jewelry, and drugs.
Between September 2023 and October 2024, the female suspect allegedly insisted the survivor pay back these “gifts” by working as an escort. The suspect arranged meetings through online advertisements, taking all the proceeds earned by the survivor.
On November 4th, 2024, 34-year-old Michelle Victoria Comber of Winnipeg was arrested and charged with:
- Procuring Person to Provide Sexual Services: This charge relates to recruiting, soliciting, or influencing a person to provide sexual services.
- Material Benefit from Sexual Services: This charge relates to receiving a financial or material benefit from someone providing sexual services.
- Trafficking in Persons: This charge relates to recruiting, transporting, or harbouring a person for the purpose of exploitation.
- Fail to Comply with Probation Order: This charge relates to violating the conditions of a probation order.
Comber was detained in custody.
Support for Survivors
The Winnipeg Police Service encourages survivors of sexual assault and exploitation to come forward. Resources are available, including:
- Sex Crimes Unit: 204-986-6245
- Counter Exploitation Unit: 204-986-3464
- WPS Victim Services: 204-986-6350
- Klinic Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 204-786-8631
- Cybertip.ca: https://www.cybertip.ca
