Possible North Preston gang ties probed in sex assault case

The case of two 18-year-olds accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl and holding her in a North Preston basement for two days could be linked to a notorious gang.

Investigators are probingwhether the two men have tiestoNorth Prestons Finest, a prostitution ring that operates in the Montreal, Toronto and Niagara area.

"Reading between the lines in thefile theres that suggestion, but theres nothing concrete to say this is being directed by the gang North Prestons Finest,"Crown attorney Perry Borden told CBC News.

On Wednesday the two accused,DorezeMarvinBealsandAndre Jerome Gray, appeared in Dartmouth provincial court. They remain in jail and are due back for a bail hearing on April 24.

"In terms of kidnapping and sexual assault this is as bad as it gets, quite frankly," Borden said.

Beals is accused of 11 crimes:

• Human trafficking
• Kidnapping
• Unlawful confinement
• Sexual assault causing bodily harm
• Gang sexual assault
• Sexual interference
• Procuring illicit sex
• Uttering threats
• Assault with a weapon
• Possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace
• Breach of probation

Police laid eight charges against Gray:

• Human trafficking
• Kidnapping
• Unlawful confinement
• Uttering threats
• Sexual assault causing bodily harm
• Gang sexual assault
• Sexual interference
• Procuring illicit sex

Police say the teen girl escapedfrom the home on Clarence Street on Thursday night after being held for two days.

Shewas taken to the hospital and police say she's now safe.