A significant human trafficking operation in Ohio led to the arrest of 132 individuals last week, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. The operation, named Operation END-OHHT, targeted those seeking to buy sex, including cases involving minors.
"We have to attack this scourge by curbing the demand," Yost stated. "This operation aimed to hold accountable those who exploit survivors or fuel human trafficking by agreeing to pay for sex."
The operation was conducted from October 6 through October 12 across 19 counties in Ohio. It was spearheaded by the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC) and involved over 100 law enforcement agencies. Major activities took place in Akron, Columbus, Cleveland, Marietta, Portsmouth, Toledo, and the Mahoning Valley area.
The arrests included 110 individuals charged with engaging in prostitution or solicitation and 22 charged with felonies related to seeking commercial sex with a minor or possessing narcotics. The suspects varied widely in age and background.
Authorities identified 74 human-trafficking survivors during the operation and referred them to healthcare and social services. Additionally, task forces raided nine locations suspected of being linked to human trafficking, seizing more than $20,000 along with other evidence.
"Operation END-OHHT reinforced the consequences for those who think that engaging in prostitution is permissible," Yost emphasized. "Our message is simple: Don’t buy sex in Ohio!"
The Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force made several notable arrests during the operation. Terrance Cummings of Columbus was arrested on federal charges related to sexual exploitation of a minor and child pornography offenses. Anthony Simms faced federal charges for sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of a minor.
Other arrests included Edson David Aguilera Ramos from Honduras, charged with attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor after responding to an online advertisement.
Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck highlighted the importance of such operations: "Human trafficking has no place in our community. This statewide effort is a crucial step in protecting victims and holding offenders accountable."
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant reiterated her department's commitment: “The Columbus Division of Police is committed to combating human trafficking... This is not just a local issue; it affects people throughout our state.”
Attorney General Yost thanked the numerous law enforcement agencies and non-government organizations that participated in Operation END-OHHT for their efforts.