A 47-year-old man is facing charges for sexually exploiting women in the Edmonton region, allegedly forcing his victims into the city’s sex trade. 

In a news release Wednesday, the Edmonton Human Trafficking unit of the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams announced charges against Jonathan Allard of Edmonton.  

Investigators allege that Allard was involved in controlling his victims and selling them for sex. Police allege that he forced them to perform sexual services, procured and communicated with their “clients” and collected money.

ALERT said the investigation dates back to June 2025 when one of Allard’s alleged victims contacted police for help. 

The woman told investigators she was recruited over social media to move to Edmonton and was then forced into the sex trade by Allard, police said. 

Investigators said they have identified five alleged victims, women in the Edmonton region, and believe there could be more. They’ve urged anyone with information on the case to come forward. 

‘Extreme circumstances’

“We know there are at least five other victims. We would like to speak to them and anyone else who has been exploited by Allard,” Staff Sgt. Chris Hayes in the statement. 

“These are extreme circumstances with life-altering impact and trauma. We would like to hold Allard accountable for all his victims.” 

Allard has been charged with 26 criminal code offences and two charges under the Animal Protection Act.

The charges include trafficking, forcible confinement and assault as well as animal neglect and bestiality.  

In addition to the women who were harmed, there was also evidence of a dog being sexually and physically abused by Allard, investigators said. 

The victims have been provided support resources through ALERT’s Safety Network Coordinators. Survivors of human trafficking can call 211 for help.

Allard remains in custody to await his next court appearance scheduled for April 16.