Portage man among 132 arrested in Ohio human trafficking operation
More than 130 people, including a man from Rootstown, were arrested in a statewide human-trafficking operation last week, according to the Ohio Attorney General’s office.
More than 100 law enforcement agencies participated, and charged individuals ranged from ages 21 to 71.
Those arrested include a 55-year-old from West Virginia who was nabbed by the Mahoning Valley Trafficking Task Force.
“We have to attack this scourge by curbing the demand,” said Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost in a prepared statement released after a virtual news conference to announce the arrests. “This operation aimed to hold accountable those who exploit survivors or fuel human trafficking by agreeing to pay for sex.”
The operation, called “Operation END-OHHT,” took place in 19 counties across the state. More than 100 of those arrested face charges of engaging in prostitution or solicitation, and the others face charges of seeking commercial sex with a minor and/or possessing narcotics.
“In addition, the (Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission) task forces furthered several long-term investigations by raiding nine locations that had been linked to human trafficking, including several massage parlors and a motel,” according to the release. “They seized more (than) $20,000 and other related evidence.”
The operation also led to the discovery of more than 70 human-trafficking survivors, who were referred to healthcare and social service organizations.
“Operation END-OHHT reinforced the consequences for those who think that engaging in prostitution is permissible,” Yost said in a prepared statement. “Our message is simple: Don’t buy sex in Ohio!”
