Sex offender had prostitute in car: cops

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/03/2014 (4278 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A high-risk Winnipeg predator who has been the subject of several public warnings is now fighting new allegations he tried to pick up a sex-trade worker.

Luigi DeAngelis, 47, was seemingly caught in the act last year by a police officer who ran his licence plate after seeing a young woman get inside.

“If I see someone standing out there, acting in a manner consistent with prostitution, I’ll stop,” Patrol Sgt. Trevor Forscett told court on Monday.

He described being on general patrol in the North End when he spotted DeAngelis driving off with the woman he recognized following previous spot checks in areas known for prostitution.

A quick computer check revealed DeAngelis was no stranger to the justice system and was on parole.

Forscett stopped the vehicle a few blocks later without incident. DeAngelis is now charged with breaching his long-term offender designation as well as soliciting sexual services.

DeAngelis has pleaded not guilty in his trial, which has now been adjourned until next month. It appears he will attempt to argue either the woman wasn’t truly a sex-trade worker, or he wasn’t aware of her status when he innocently stopped to give her a ride.

Whether the judge believes him will be a key to determining his future.