COLUMBUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—A recent statewide operation targeting human trafficking led to the arrest of 132 individuals seeking to purchase sex, including some cases involving minors, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced on Monday.
Among the area “Johns” arrested were Toby Lee Smith, 49, of Galion, James Leeroy, 58, of Mansfield and Seth Stephens, 35, of Willard.
“We must confront this issue by reducing demand,” Yost stated. “This operation aimed to hold accountable those who exploit survivors or contribute to human trafficking by agreeing to pay for sex.”
The operation, dubbed Operation END-OHHT, was conducted from October 6 to October 12 and involved over 100 law enforcement agencies across 19 counties, with significant activities reported in Akron, Columbus, Cleveland, Marietta, Portsmouth, Toledo, and the Mahoning Valley area. The initiative is named after Ohio’s new human trafficking hotline, 844-END-OHHT.
Led by the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC), the operation included eight human trafficking and major crime task forces, alongside participation from a dozen local law enforcement agencies.
Among those arrested, 110 individuals, referred to as “johns,” were charged with engaging in prostitution or solicitation. Additionally, 22 suspects faced felony charges for seeking commercial sex with a minor and/or for possessing narcotics. The arrested individuals varied in background, including laborers, government employees, students, and business owners, with ages ranging from 21 to 71.
During the operation, authorities identified 74 survivors of human trafficking, connecting them with health care and social service organizations for support.
The OOCIC task forces also executed nine search warrants at locations linked to human trafficking, including several massage parlors and a motel. Law enforcement seized over $20,000 and additional evidence during these raids.
“Operation END-OHHT reinforced the consequences for those who think that engaging in prostitution is permissible,” Yost emphasized. “Our message is clear: Don’t buy sex in Ohio!”