The Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force is intensifying its efforts against human traffickers during the holiday season. Recent investigations have resulted in criminal charges and penalties, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene.
Yost emphasized the ongoing work of task forces, stating, “Sex traffickers don’t take a holiday break, and neither do our task forces. Year-round, our agents work 24/7, applying constant pressure to both the demand and supply sides of human trafficking. Don’t buy sex in Ohio.”
Recent convictions include Cleveland resident Anthony Davila, 47, who was sentenced on November 22 to six years in prison. Upon release, he will register as a Tier II sex offender after pleading guilty to several charges related to attempted compelling prostitution and pandering obscenity involving a minor. Investigators found child-sexual-abuse material on his phone following a sting operation.
On December 3, Yuli Guo, 49, from China was found guilty of soliciting at the Elegant Foot Spa in Youngstown. Guo received a suspended sentence of 60 days in jail and was fined $650 with one year of probation after attempting to sell sex to an undercover agent.
In addition to these cases, three men face new charges from recent investigations. J. Wilson Peake, 63; Pete Kramer, 48; and James Lemmon, 41 were charged with various offenses including engaging in prostitution and possession of criminal tools.
The Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force operates under Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission and is led by the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office. It includes members from several local law enforcement agencies.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.