Man accused of human trafficking released from custody following new charges

Alleged human trafficker released after 2nd arrest An Essa Township man in the midst of a human trafficking trial was released from custody after being arrested a second time.

Lauriston Maloney was released from custody on a $5,000 pledge following a special bail hearing in Barrie on Thursday.

Maloney and his wife were arrested and charged 10 days ago for allegedly breaching conditions of their previous bail.

Court documents reveal Maloney allegedly breached his bail conditions by communicating with his wife Amber Maloney earlier this year.

His wife, Amber Maloney, was released last week on $15,000 bail to sureties under strict conditions, including house arrest.

The Maloneys were initially arrested last summer following allegations of human trafficking. They are alleged to have exploited a woman who worked for Amber and lived with the Maloneys. Lauriston was also accused of assaulting the complainant.

The trial began in October and the Crown argues Lauriston and his wife exploited the complainant for financial gain by taking advantage of her through their businesses, which included an unlicensed therapy centre for children with autism and a construction company.

The woman testified she came forward to police after being slapped by Maloney at his cottage during an argument about the couple welcoming more women into their relationship.

The complainant alleges Lauriston was also violent toward Amber and often threatened the women.

She testified Lauriston called her lazy and ungrateful for the life he was providing her. She said she’d often be taken on vacations by the Maloneys where she said worked for Amber and cared for their children.

As part of his latest release conditions, Lauriston is required to wear a GPS ankle monitor and is not to communicate with several people, including his wife unless through legal counsel or to organize access to their two children.

The allegations have not been tested in court.

The trial is scheduled to resume January 3.