COLUMBUS, Ohio — A statewide operation targeting human trafficking led to 135 arrests across Ohio last week, Attorney General Dave Yost announced.
The effort, called Operation Next Door, was led by the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC) and involved more than 100 law enforcement agencies. It focused on urban, suburban, and rural areas.
“Human trafficking occurs in plain sight and may even involve co-workers or neighbors,” Yost said.
Arrests and Charges
Authorities said 32 people face felony charges such as promoting prostitution, compelling prostitution, seeking sex with a minor, and drug-related crimes. Another 103 people were arrested for solicitation or engaging in prostitution.
Police referred 67 human trafficking survivors to health care and social service pro