Over a 130 people were arrested in a statewide human trafficking sting and among them was a Tuscarawas County man.
Following Ohio’s new hotline (844-END-OHHT) being activated, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost noted, in a video recap, Operation END-OHHT targeted those seeking to purchase sex, including some exchanges involving minors.
“Pick up the folks that are supplying the money, the buyers of sex, because without the cash human trafficking collapses.”
Of 110 “johns” arrested, among them was a 45-year-old, of New Philadelphia, who was taken into custody by the Mahoning Valley Task Force in Boardman. He is charged with engaging in prostitution or solicitation.
The operation took place from October 6th through the 12th in 19 counties, with major activity in areas like Akron, Columbus, Cleveland, and Marietta. Many arrested were from Ohio but some hailed out of West Virginia, New Jersey, Texas, Pennsylvania, and a few from other countries.
COMPASS Executive Director Molly McMath noted that even though Tuscarawas County was not specifically named, incidents were in easy driving distance.
“Please remember, when the counties are all around us are being named and the cities around us, it is here. It is happening in our community, and it will take every one of us working together to make sure that we can support survivors and end human trafficking in our community.’
Overall, the suspects ranged in age from 21 to 71. The operations also allowed authorities to identify 74 human-trafficking survivors, referring them to healthcare and social-service organizations, something McMath believes is critical.
“Because we know that survivors of human trafficking need a very wide range of services and support and by being able to reach these survivors and get them connected to resources, it’s my hope that they will be able to really start healing from the trauma of human trafficking.”
Anyone in Tuscarawas County in need of services can reach out to the local hotline, 330-339-1427.
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