Community Alert: Sex Trafficking Charges in Inverness County, NS

The Inverness County District RCMP, working with specialized units, has charged a man from West Bay Centre, Nova Scotia with multiple offences including sex trafficking. The charges follow a long-term human trafficking investigation that began in June 2025 and led to a search warrant being carried out on June 24 at a residence in West Bay.

During the operation, officers arrested two men and one woman and seized evidence believed to be connected to human trafficking, drug trafficking, and firearms offences. Investigators believe there may be additional victims of sex trafficking linked to this case and are urging potential victims and anyone with relevant information to come forward to police or use confidential tip lines.

Official RCMP Details

According to the Inverness County District RCMP, the search warrant at the West Bay residence was executed with assistance from the Nova Scotia RCMP Critical Incident Program as part of an investigation led by the Inverness Street Crime Enforcement Unit (SCEU), with support from the Nova Scotia Provincial Human Trafficking Unit.

Charged Individual – Hubert Alexander Matthews (63), West Bay Centre

• Age: 63
• Residence: West Bay Centre, Nova Scotia
• Charges include:
  • Trafficking in Persons
  • Material Benefit from Sexual Services
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (drugs)
  • Multiple firearms offences
  • Multiple weapons offences
• Status: Remanded into custody pending future court appearances

Charged Individual – Harriet Battiste (61), West Bay Centre

• Age: 61
• Residence: West Bay Centre, Nova Scotia
• Charges include:
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (drugs)
  • Multiple firearms offences
  • Multiple weapons offences
• Status: Released on conditions pending future court appearances

Second Male Arrested

• A second man arrested at the residence was released pending further investigation.

Key Investigation Details

• Investigating agency: Inverness County District RCMP
• Primary investigative unit: Street Crime Enforcement Unit (SCEU)
• Supporting units:
  • Nova Scotia Provincial Human Trafficking Unit
  • Nova Scotia RCMP Critical Incident Program
• Location of search: Residence in West Bay, Inverness County, Nova Scotia
• Investigation start date: June 2025
• File number: 2025-760146

Appeal for Victims and Information

Investigators believe there are additional victims of sex trafficking connected to this case. Police emphasize that their primary concern is the safety and wellbeing of victims and are encouraging anyone who may have been trafficked, exploited, or otherwise harmed to reach out for help.

If you believe you are a victim of sex trafficking, or know someone who may be:

• Contact your local police, or
• Call the Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Hotline (monitored 24/7 by a police officer): 902-449-2425

To provide information about this investigation (File # 2025-760146):

• Call the Inverness County District RCMP at 902-625-2220

To remain anonymous:

• Call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
• Submit a secure online tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca
• Use the P3 Tips mobile app

For residents wanting to better understand local risk levels and patterns of reported crime, you can review Inverness, Subd. A crime statistics and safety data, which provide broader context for community safety planning in the region.

CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective

From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, investigations into suspected sex trafficking are critical to the safety of communities across Nova Scotia, including rural areas like Inverness County. Human trafficking often occurs out of public view, can involve intimidation or dependency, and may be closely linked with drug trafficking and illegal weapons. Community members should watch for signs of exploitation, such as a person who appears controlled by someone else, is fearful or isolated, has limited access to their own ID or money, or is frequently moved between locations without clear explanation.

If something does not feel right, reporting concerns to police or anonymously through Crime Stoppers can help protect vulnerable people and support ongoing investigations. Staying informed about local crime patterns, using tools like regional Inverness Subdivision crime and safety statistics, and knowing where to seek help are key steps in building safer communities for everyone.

Official Source & Community Safety

This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the nova-scotia community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.

Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.