Originally published October 3, 2023 8:42 am PDT
In a significant stride against human trafficking, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost recently declared the outcome of the statewide crackdown named ‘Operation Buyer’s Remorse.’
This week-long operation aimed at arresting individuals attempting to purchase sex while identifying survivors of human trafficking.
“Law enforcement across Ohio teamed up in a concerted effort to stem the demand that fuels human trafficking,” stated AG Yost in a press release.
He further emphasized, “The success of this operation is measured not only by the number of arrests but also by the resources offered to survivors of human trafficking and the intelligence gathered that will propel long-term investigations forward.”
This massive operation, orchestrated by AG Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC), spanned from Sept 25–30 and reached every corner of the state, enveloping cities like Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, Akron, Youngstown, Marietta, and Portsmouth.
Encompassing coordinated “stings” conducted by OOCIC’s eight human trafficking and major crimes task forces, the operation culminated in a staggering 160 arrests.
The efforts of these task forces were bolstered by “numerous local law enforcement agencies that also conducted anti-human trafficking operations.”
During this intensive crackdown, 11 search warrants were executed at massage parlors under the scanner for potential human trafficking activities.
AG Yost reported that over the week, “149 ‘johns’ seeking to buy sex were arrested and charged with engaging in prostitution.”
The arrests also implicated individuals with intentions to have sex with minors and those promoting prostitution.
The extensive list of arrested individuals hailed from varied backgrounds such as EMT, educators, retirees, and even former law enforcement officers, with ages ranging from 17 to 84.
Moreover, officers interviewed 104 survivors of human trafficking and ensured they received necessary services from health care and social service organizations.
Reflecting on the collaborative nature of the effort, Yost expressed his gratitude, stating, “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.”
He firmly concluded, “Our message is simple: Don’t buy sex in Ohio!”
Among the notable highlights of ‘Operation Buyer’s Remorse’ were:
- The joint efforts of the H.E.A.L. Human Trafficking Task Force and the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force led to the seizure of over $49,000 from an illicit massage parlor in Lorain County.
- The Columbus Division of Police’s PACT Unit registered 62 arrests in five days. This included the arrest of a registered sex offender, Joseph Henry, and Delbert Thomas, who was arrested twice on the same day for seeking to buy sex.
- The Toledo Police Department, in collaboration with U.S. Border Patrol, executed search warrants on five massage parlors, seizing $25,000 and numerous electronic devices.
The operation further witnessed arrests of individuals associated with the U.S. Air Force, the University of Dayton, Indiana University, and the Fairfield Union Local School District.
This exhaustive operation not only marked a victory against human trafficking but also reiterated Ohio’s firm stand against such heinous activities.
