HUDSON, Ohio — Western Reserve Academy in Hudson confirms it has fired a teacher who was arrested as part of a massive Ohio human trafficking sting in recent days.

In a statement provided to 3News, Western Reserve says it learned of the allegations against Dr. Michael Ford on Friday before terminating his employment the next morning. Ford, a 55-year-old Cleveland Heights native, worked at the high school as a science teacher during the 2024-25 academic year.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost's office announced Monday that Ford was one of 135 people arrested as part of "Operation Next Door," a statewide sweep targeting individuals seeking to buy sex in a variety of capacities. Ford, whom authorities say identified himself as a schoolteacher upon being taken into custody, faces a third-deg

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