Yost discusses successful human trafficking operation

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — 132 people were arrested following a 6 day operation conducted by over 100 law enforcement offices.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost discussed the successful operation to counter human trafficking at a press conference on Monday morning.

Yost spoke alongside local law enforcement leaders at the conference.

“We have to attack this scourge by curbing the demand. This operation aimed to hold accountable those who exploit survivors or fuel human trafficking by agreeing to pay for sex,” Yost said.

The operation is known as “END-OHHT” and was active from Oct. 6-12 throughout 19 Ohio counties. Major activities were intercepted in Akron, Columbus, Cleveland, Marietta, Portsmouth, Toledo and Mahoning Valley.

The Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC) led the operation, which saw 8 task force groups partner with 12 law enforcement agencies.

The OOCIC also raided nine locations including massage parlors and motels. More than $20,000 and other related evidence was seized during these raids.

The suspects alleged range between the ages of 21 and 71. 74 survivors were identified in the operation.

The conference can be seen in the player above. For more information on the operation, click here .

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