Man’s trial on Halifax human trafficking charges set for April 2024
HALIFAX, N.S. — A man who was arrested in Ontario in June and transported to Nova Scotia to face human trafficking charges will stand trial in Halifax provincial court next April.
Edward Duane Garinger, 50, of no fixed address, is charged with human trafficking, receiving material benefit from human trafficking, procuring someone to provide sexual services for consideration, receiving material benefit from sexual services, advertising sexual services and breaching two recognizances from December 2001, almost 22 years ago.
Garinger pleaded not guilty to all the charges Aug. 22. Lawyer Leslie Hogg appeared in court by phone Thursday on his behalf to set trial dates.
Judge Elizabeth Buckle booked the trial for six days beginning April 10, 2024.
Halifax Regional Police announced the charges against Garinger on June 27, saying they had received a report in March of human trafficking that was occurring in the Halifax area.
Members of the HRP-RCMP integrated human trafficking team identified Garinger as a suspect, a news release said, and he was apprehended in the Niagara region by Ontario police.
Police allege the pimping-related offences were committed in Halifax between Jan. 20 and March 31 of this year. The identity of the alleged victim, a woman, is protected by a publication ban.
Garinger was in custody until Sept. 7, when the Crown consented to his release on strict conditions after he posted a $3,000 cash deposit with the court.
He is under house arrest at an address on Highway 224 in Upper Musquodoboit and must wear an ankle bracelet.
Garinger is prohibited from having contact with the complainant and another woman and from being within 25 metres of their homes, schools or workplaces.
He has an exception to his house arrest for regularly scheduled employment with a Bedford moving company between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. There are also exemptions for medical emergencies and appointments, legal commitments and four hours every Sunday afternoon for the purpose of attending to personal needs.
