Greater than 130 folks, together with a person from Rootstown, had been arrested in a statewide human-trafficking operation final week, in accordance with the Ohio Lawyer Common’s workplace.
Greater than 100 legislation enforcement companies participated, and charged people ranged from ages 21 to 71.
These arrested embody a 55-year-old from West Virginia who was nabbed by the Mahoning Valley Trafficking Job Pressure.
“We now have to assault this scourge by curbing the demand,” stated Ohio Lawyer Common Dave Yost in a ready assertion launched after a digital information convention to announce the arrests. “This operation aimed to carry accountable those that exploit survivors or gasoline human trafficking by agreeing to pay for intercourse.”
The operation, known as “Operation END-OHHT,” passed off in 19 counties throughout the state. Greater than 100 of these arrested face costs of participating in prostitution or solicitation, and the others face costs of searching for business intercourse with a minor and/or possessing narcotics.
“As well as, the (Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Fee) process forces furthered a number of long-term investigations by raiding 9 areas that had been linked to human trafficking, together with a number of therapeutic massage parlors and a motel,” in accordance with the discharge. “They seized extra (than) $20,000 and different associated proof.”
The operation additionally led to the invention of greater than 70 human-trafficking survivors, who had been referred to healthcare and social service organizations.
“Operation END-OHHT strengthened the implications for individuals who suppose that participating in prostitution is permissible,” Yost stated in a ready assertion. “Our message is straightforward: Do not buy intercourse in Ohio!”
This text initially appeared on File-Courier: Ohio human trafficking bust nets 132 arrests, including Rootstown man
