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The police investigation of an alleged Kelowna pimp spanned almost a full year. Now, a year after charges were first laid, he's back in court.
Simon Walter Rypiak, 33, is alleged to have recruited young girls from across Canada for his Kelowna escort business, using social media.
He was charged in August 2016 with 13 offences, including sexual assault, procuring sexual services of a person under 18, assault causing bodily harm and benefiting from sexual services.
When charges were first laid, police said their investigation into Rypiak, who went by the name Simon Ross, began in September 2015 and spanned across B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec.
Police said they had identified nine victims, between the ages of 15 and 20.
“Investigators also believe that the accused used physical violence to maintain control of his victims, whom he forced to work as escorts for him,” Const. Jesse O’Donaghey said in August 2016.
Rypiak is in court this week for a preliminary inquiry, during which the court will hear the Crown's case to determine if there is sufficient evidence for a Supreme Court trial.
Evidence heard at a preliminary inquiry is protected under a publication ban, to ensure potential future jury members are not tainted.
Rypiak's preliminary inquiry, which began Monday, is expected to finish Thursday.
