A 24-year-old Toronto man was charged last Thursday with human trafficking amid allegations he forced a young woman to share his apartment and work as an exotic dancer.

It is alleged that Marlo Williams befriended a 19-year-old woman between August and September and persuaded her to work as an exotic dancer.

He later convinced her to move into his apartment, and then forced her to live under his rules physical attacking her when she did not obey him.

She managed to escape last month and contacted York Regional Police.

Williams, who will appear in court on October 23, faces numerous charges, including human trafficking, kidnapping, forcible confinement and assault.

Williams’ human trafficking charge is the first for York Region Police.