COLUMBUS – More than 60 people from central Ohio were among 160 suspects arrested during a statewide crackdown on human trafficking.
‘Operation Buyer’s Remorse’ was carried out between Sept. 25 and Sept. 30 in every corner of the state in Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, Akron, Youngstown, Marietta, Portsmouth and numerous suburbs, including Grove City, Hilliard, Upper Arlington, Pickerington and Pataskala, according to Ohio attorney General Dave Yost.
“Nearly 100 law enforcement agencies and service organizations participated in this operation – I am grateful for each and every partner who dedicated their time and resources, as we all play a key role in the fight against human trafficking. Our message is simple: Don’t buy sex in Ohio,” Yost said.
A series of coordinated stings were carried out by the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission’s eight human trafficking and major crimes task forces along with local law enforcement agencies, Yost said.
Additionally, search warrants were conducted at 11 massage parlors suspected of human trafficking activities as part of ongoing, long-term investigations.
“We want to drive this illegal activity out of Hilliard, and it’s individuals who solicit prostitution online creating the demand. We’re hopeful this operation will not only serve as a deterrent for human trafficking but will provide assistance to human trafficking victims so they can get connected to advocates and resources,” Hilliard Division of Police chief Michael Woods said.
During the operation, 149 “johns,” ranging in age from 17 to 84 years of age, were arrested and charged with engaging in prostitution for seeking to buy sex.
Two individuals were arrested for seeking to have sex with minors and six for promoting prostitution while others were arrested for weapons and drug charges or on outstanding arrest warrants, Yost said.
The Columbus Division of Police’s Police and Community Together (PACT) Unit made 62 arrests over five days, including a 75-year-old man who was arrested twice on the same day.
“The Columbus Division of Police is committed to the relentless pursuit of criminals responsible for human trafficking, prostitution and crimes that exploit children,” Columbus police chief Elaine Bryant said. “We will continue to support efforts to prevent these crimes by devoting resources to combat these complex issues through the Police and Community Together Unit, the Missing and Exploited Children’s Unit, the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.”
The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, Lancaster Police Department arrested a 29-year-old Rushville man who teaches sixth grade in the Fairfield Union Local School District on charges of engaging in prostitution.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Department of Public Safety offered services to 37 potential victims of human trafficking during two daylong outreach events.