Ohio statewide human trafficking operation leads to 132 arrests

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A massive statewide human trafficking operation, Operation FIN-OHHTresulted in the arrest of 132 individuals and the identification of 74 survivorsaccording to an announcement from the Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. The operation, which took place from October 6 to October 12, 2024was led by the Ohio Organized Crime Investigation Commission (OOCIC) and involved more than 100 law enforcement agencies across the state.

The initiative, aimed at combating human trafficking by targeting those who buy sex, took place in 19 counties and involved significant law enforcement activities in cities such as Akron, Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo and Marietta. Of the 132 people arrested, 110 “dogs” face charges for solicitation of prostitution, while 22 others have been charged with misdemeanors for attempting to engage in commercial sexual activity with minors or for drug offenses. The people arrested were aged 21 to 71representing a wide range of professions, including laborers, civil servants and business owners.

The authorities too raided nine places linked to human trafficking, in particular massage parlors and a motelgripping $20,000 in cashnarcotics and firearms. These raids advanced long-term surveys linked to exploitation of children And sex trafficking.

Among the most notable arrests are Terrance Cummingscharged with federal crimes involving the sexual exploitation of a minorAnd Anthony Simsfacing charges of sex trafficking of a minor. In addition, Edson David Aguilera Ramosa Honduran national, was arrested for attempting to solicit sex from a minor. Others arrested included a chief fire inspectorA former prosecutorand a high school referee.

In addition to making arrests, the operation prioritized support survivors of human trafficking. During a raid on three massage parlors in Lake Countyauthorities interviewed and provided services to six survivors, helping them access health care and social services.

“We must attack this scourge by curbing demand,” said Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. “This operation aimed to hold accountable those who exploit survivors or fuel human trafficking by agreeing to pay for sex. »

The operation, named after the new human trafficking hotline (844-END-OHHT), is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking. Officials from the agencies involved in the operation, including Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck And Elaine Bryant, Columbus Police Chiefemphasized the importance of collaborative law enforcement efforts and protection of vulnerable populations.

The success of Operation FIN-OHHT was made possible through the coordinated efforts of various human trafficking task forces across Ohio, including the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task ForceTHE Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Forceand other local and federal agencies.

The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity or suspicion of human trafficking via the 844-FIN-OHHT hotline, as Ohio continues to push for stronger enforcement and protections against human trafficking across the state.