Several Greater Akron residents are facing various charges connected to a statewide human trafficking operation, according to a media release sent from the Ohio attorney general’s office May 21. Those arrested also include both a retired and an active Cleveland firefighter.
A statewide human trafficking operation, called “Operation Spring Cleaning,” was conducted this month by dozens of agencies. It resulted in the arrests of 122 people seeking to buy sex, including from minors, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost stated in the media release.
“This operation brings us to 1,065 arrests since our statewide stings began in 2019,” Yost said. “It shows the problem isn’t going away, but perpetrators are getting increasingly skittish as our message reverberates: don’t buy sex in Ohio.”
Led by Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission, Operation Spring Cleaning took place between May 13 and 20 in 15 counties.
In this operation:
Actions made by area task forces
The Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force conducted multiple searches, arrests and seizures, including arresting and charging a 57-year-old man from Brooklyn, Ohio, and a 63-year-old man from Cleveland, with engaging in prostitution. The 57-year-old is an active Cleveland firefighter, and the 63-year-old is a retired Cleveland firefighter.
The Summit Regional Human Trafficking Task Force executed a search warrant at La Lune Spa, 102 Western Ave., in Akron.
It also charged two Akron men with importuning and attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor: a 24-year-old and a 38-year-old.
Multiple people arrested for engaging in prostitution or solicitation
The following people were charged with engaging in prostitution or solicitation:
The Summit Regional Human Trafficking Task Force includes members from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Akron Police Department, FBI, Hope and Healing, HSI, Medina County Sheriff’s Office, Richfield Township Police Department, Springfield Township Police Department, Summit County Prosecutor’s Office, and Twinsburg Police Department.
How to report suspected human trafficking
Reporter April Helms can be reached at ahelms@thebeaconjournal.com
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 21 Akron-area residents arrested in statewide human trafficking sting
Reporting by April Helms, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
