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A man and a woman facing multiple criminal charges have been banned from We’koqma’q First Nation on Cape Breton Island.
On June 26, RCMP charged Hubert Matthews, 63, and Harriet Battiste, 61, of West Bay Centre, about 25 kilometres northeast of Port Hawkesbury, N.S.
Matthews has been charged with sex trafficking, material benefit from sexual services, drug trafficking and multiple firearms and weapons offences.
Battiste has been charged with drug trafficking and multiple firearms and weapons offences.
Police say the charges are the result of a year-long investigation into allegations people were being lured with drugs and enticed to have sex with other people who were paying for that service.
RCMP believe there are additional victims and are appealing to anyone who may be a victim of sex trafficking to call their local police or the Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Hotline, which is monitored 24/7 by a police officer, at 902-449-2425.
We’koqma’q banned Matthews and Battiste from the community after what the band said was an “emergency meeting” with the RCMP.
A band councillor in We’koqma’q said several victims had already come forward and more are expected.
In Facebook posts over the weekend, We’koqma’q and Potlotek First Nation band councils issued community notices to let members know that confidential and safe support is also available locally.
They listed the names and phone numbers of people who are trained to help potential victims.
In its post, We’koqma’q council also urged people to come forward.
“Speaking up can help protect others and bring healing to our community,” it said.
“Anyone who has been affected is encouraged to reach out for support,” Potlotek band council said on Facebook.
“You do not have to face this alone. Assistance is available in a safe, respectful and confidential manner.”
Neither Potlotek Chief Wilbert Marshall nor We’koqma’q Chief John L. Bernard was available for comment Monday.
In an email, a spokesperson said Monday the RCMP does not request community bans on individuals, but officers met with We’koqma’q to advise them of the investigation “and highlight their belief that there may be additional victims.”
The Mounties also plan to meet with Potlotek band council.
After being charged, Battiste was released on conditions, but Matthews remains in custody.
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