Stay informed with the LNN Daily Newsletter
(Lethbridge News Now)

Second in human trafficking investigation pleads not guilty

Jan 14, 2022 | 10:56 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Two out of 10 accused in a human trafficking investigation have entered pleas of not guilty.

In Lethbridge Provincial Court Friday morning, the lawyer for Khaled Alsaid, 22, plead not guilty to sexual assault, sexual assault on a person under the age of 16, sexual contact with a child, sexual counsel of a child, and failing to comply with release order conditions.

Alsaid was among 10 people charged by Lethbridge Police in August 2021 as part of an investigation into the alleged sexual exploitation, sexual assault, and trafficking of at least two underaged girls.

READ MORE: Lethbridge Police charge 10 males in human trafficking investigation

READ MORE: All 10 suspects in human trafficking investigation have been released on bail

READ MORE: Additional victims come forward in Lethbridge human trafficking investigation

A week after charges were laid, Alsaid turned himself in to police.

Defense attorney Rabie Ahmed said this matter has been going on for long enough and his client did not want to continue waiting any longer without taking steps forward.

He elected to have his client face a trial in provincial court.

Ahmed hopes to be able to set dates for a pre-trial conference in the next few weeks.

Of the 10 people charged in related matters, Alsaid is the second person to enter pleas.

Meriton Krasniqi plead not guilty to his charges earlier this month.

READ MORE: Accused in human trafficking investigation pleads not guilty

Due to there being significant amounts of disclosure that still need to be reviewed, the other accused have yet to enter pleas.