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Most of us have seen the signs posted in public restrooms, or flyers distributed at large events in an attempt to give victims of human trafficking a way to get help. And for the most part, people glance at those things, assume the messages have nothing to do with them and ignore them.
The truth is we must all be vigilant, watching for indicators that should be reported or a person who needs help. It sounds as though that is exactly what happened in Pickerington, where a business called Massage Experts is being investigated for suspicion of acting as a front for human trafficking, prostitution and money laundering.
The Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, Pickering Police Department and other agencies served multiple warrants at Massage Experts.
"Shortly after they opened is when we started receiving some complaints and some information," Pickerington police Chief Tod Cheney told WBNS-TV. "They saw some signs of possibly human trafficking-type activity going on within the business."
Imagine if those who saw concerning indicators had NOT contacted authorities.
In this case, authorities say it does not appear there were any children involved. But human trafficking and its associated crimes can target those of any age. And it can happen in any community. Pickerington has a population of approximately 24,000. It is considered to be a suburb of Columbus, but not exactly the sprawling, far-away big city where some have convinced themselves these kinds of crimes occur.
As this investigation unfolds, it is a reminder we must all be vigilant -- not only on our own or our children's behalf -- but for the sake of those who are counting on someone to notice, and do something about it.