10 people arrested in Ohio during anti-human trafficking operation

[Watch in the player above: Indicators of human trafficking, and how you can help]

STEUB ENVILLE , Ohio ( WTRF ) — Ten men from three states who allegedly attempted to buy sex were arrested this week during an undercover anti- human trafficking operation in Steubenville, Attorney General Dave Yost and Steubenville Police Chief Ken Anderson announced on Thursday.

“Sex isn’t for sale in Ohio – so be prepared to face charges if you come into our state to solicit it,” Yost is quoted in a news release. “I commend Chief Anderson for working with our task force and urge other agencies to follow his lead and join our fight against human trafficking.”

The sting, held on July 9 and 10, was conducted by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force, at the request of the Steubenville Police Department. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office and the Harriet Tubman Movement also assisted with the operation.

“These types of investigations take significant time and effort to plan and execute, and this operation would not have been possible without the assistance of the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force,” Anderson said. “This is a great example of the cooperation that exists between law enforcement agencies throughout the State of Ohio.”

The men arrested were:

• Shawn Anderson, 40, of Follansbee, West Virginia
• Jacob Canterbury, 52, of Follansbee, West Virginia
• Eric Coleman, 49, of Wheeling, West Virginia
• Ronald DiCarlo, Jr., 57, of Mingo Junction, Ohio
• Sean Finsley,45, of Weirton, West Virginia
• Andrew Perry, 45, of Bellaire, Ohio
• Daniel Smith, 38, of Steubenville, Ohio
• David Thomas, 35, of Saxonburg, Pennsylvania
• Michael Virgin, 36, of White Oak, Pennsylvania
• Frank Wiles, 52, of Smithfield, Pennsylvania

Those arrested reported their occupations as nurse, steelworker, construction worker, culinary supervisor, machine worker and coal miner. They were charged with solicitation and/or possession of criminal tools.

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