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"We have to attack this scourge by curbing the demand," Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said Monday, referring to those who seek to buy sex in the our state.
He was announcing the arrests of 132 people as part of a statewide human-trafficking operation that involved more than 100 law enforcement agencies, with major activities in Akron, Columbus, Cleveland, Marietta, Portsmouth, Toledo and the Mahoning Valley.
Operation END-OHHT, named after the state's human trafficking hotline, had three purposes: round up as many suspects as possible, help those victimized by human trafficking and instill fear in those who might be considering engaging in prostitution and related crimes.
To that end, 110 people were arrested and face charges of engaging in prostitution or solicitation, 22 face felony charges of seeking commercial sex with a minor and/or possessing narcotics, and 74 human trafficking survivors were identified and referred to health care and social service organizations.
That kind of success doesn't come without the cooperation of multiple law enforcement agencies all over the state. You have read many times about the work of our local enforcement officers on our pages. Just as those working locally through the Mahoning Valley Task Force -- including Columbiana County agents -- will continue with enforcement, we will continue publishing the names of those convicted. After all, it is public record and the public has a right to know what goes on within our courts. It is amazing how impactful the shame factor is when the name of an offender gets published. Also when the name pops up during a Google search.
For a great read check out the feature by Macey Austin detailing FreeThree -- a local group combating trafficking. It ran in all three Columbiana County Newspapers and our sisters newspapers The Vindicator and Tribune-Chronicle in Warren.
Combine such a sweeping efforts as listed here with those who are helping by reporting their suspicions to the state's new human trafficking hotline (844-END-OHHT), and it's easy to see why Yost hopes the sting will serve as a deterrent. "Operation END-OHHT reinforced the consequences for those who think that engaging in prostitution is permissible," Yost said. "Our message is simple: Don't buy sex in Ohio!"
Well done, to those whose hard work has (and will continue to) hammered home that message.