News release
Inverness County District RCMP charges man for sex trafficking; believes there are additional victims
June 26, 2026
-
West Bay, Nova Scotia
From: Nova Scotia RCMP
On this page
Content
Inverness County District RCMP has charged a man with multiple offences, including sex trafficking, in relation to an investigation led by its Street Crime Enforcement Unit (SCEU) with assistance of the Nova Scotia Provincial Human Trafficking Unit.
On June 24, the Inverness SCEU, assisted by the Nova Scotia RCMP Critical Incident Program, executed a search warrant at a residence in West Bay as part of an investigation that began in June 2025. Officers safely arrested two men and a woman and seized significant evidence supporting human trafficking, drug trafficking and firearms offences.
Hubert Alexander Matthews, 63, of West Bay Centre, has been charged with Trafficking in Persons, Material Benefit from Sexual Services, Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, and multiple firearms and weapons offences.
Matthews was remanded into custody pending future court appearances.
Investigators believe there are additional victims and are appealing to anyone who may be a victim of sex trafficking to call their local police or the Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Hotline (monitored 24/7 by a police officer): 902-449-2425. Anonymous calls can also be made by contacting Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or by using the P3 Tips app.
“Investigators’ first concern is the wellbeing of victims,” says Sgt. Jeff MacFarlane, Nova Scotia Provincial Human Trafficking Unit. “We encourage victims to come forward and we recognize the strength and courage it takes to do that.”
Harriet Battiste, 61, of West Bay Centre, has been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking and multiple firearms and weapons offences.
Battiste was released on conditions pending future court appearances.
The second man arrested at the home was released pending further investigation.
Anyone with information that could support this ongoing investigation is asked to contact the Inverness County District RCMP at 902-625-2220.
File #: 2025-760146