In a significant statewide initiative aimed at combating human trafficking, Ohio law enforcement agencies arrested 132 individuals two weeks ago for attempting to purchase sex, including incidents involving minors. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced the results of this operation, emphasizing the urgent need to address the demand that fuels human trafficking. “This operation is a critical step in tackling this societal scourge,” Yost stated. “By focusing on those who exploit survivors and pay for sex, we aim to dismantle systems that enable this crime.”
The operation, named Operation END-OHHT, was conducted by the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC) from October 6 to October 12, covering 19 counties, with significant enforcement activities taking place in cities such as Columbus, Akron, Cleveland, Marietta, Portsmouth, Toledo, and the Mahoning Valley.
The initiative was launched in conjunction with Ohio’s new human trafficking hotline, 844-END-OHHT. It involved collaboration between OOCIC and eight human trafficking and major crime task forces, supported by over a dozen local law enforcement agencies.
Among those arrested, 110 individuals- referred to as “Johns”-were charged with engaging in prostitution or solicitation. Additionally, 22 others faced felony charges for attempting to engage in commercial sex with minors and/or for drug possession. The arrested individuals represented a wide range of backgrounds and ages, from 21-71 years old, including laborers, government employees, students and business owners.
Throughout the operation, authorities also identified 74 survivors of human trafficking and connected them to healthcare and social services for support. In a proactive approach to prevent further exploitation, OOCIC task forces executed raids on nine locations suspected of being involved in human trafficking, including various massage parlors and a motel. This led to the seizure of over $20,000 in cash and other relevant evidence. “Operation END-OHHT sends a clear message: engaging in prostitution has consequences,” Yost reiterated. “We will not tolerate the buying of sex in Ohio.”
The Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force was instrumental in advancing long-term investigations, resulting in the arrest of 29-year-old Terrance Cummings on federal charges related to sexual exploitation of minors and possession of child pornography. Additionally, 56-year-old Anthony Simms faced charges of sex trafficking involving minors. Also, In a notable incident, authorities arrested Edson David Aquilera Ramos, a Honduran citizen lacking legal status, who attempted to solicit sex from someone he believed to be 15 years old.
The Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force apprehended Raymond Masters, a registered sex offender, for engaging in prostitution and possession of criminal tools. Meanwhile, in Montgomery County, Charles Arnold, a chief fire inspector, and Jeffrey Startzman, a former prosecutor, were charged with solicitation.
The Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force executed search warrants at three massage parlors in Lake County suspected of human trafficking, interviewing six potential survivors and seizing nearly $20,000.
The Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force charged John Hughes, a state employee, with pandering for attempting to buy sex from a minor, while five others faced similar charges.
In Southern regions of Ohio, Jarrius Dixon was arrested after attempting to solicit sex from a mother and her 15-year-old daughter. During his arrest, he was found with methamphetamine and cash.
Montgomery County Sherriff Rob Streck emphasized the importance of the operation in protecting victims and holding offenders accountable. Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant highlighted the community-wide impact of human trafficking, while Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin reiterated the commitment to combat this illegal activity collaboratively.
Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent-in-Charge Angie M. Salazar described the operation as a proactive measure to prevent human trafficking and support victims, showcasing the effectiveness of partnerships in tackling these crimes.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office recognized the contributions of over 100 law enforcement agencies and non-governmental organizations that participated in Operation END-OHHT. The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to address the complex issue of human trafficking and provide assistance to those affected.
As the fight against human trafficking continues, law enforcement agencies across Ohio remain dedicated to dismantling the networks that exploit vulnerable individuals and to fostering a collaborative approach to safeguard their communities.
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