ASHLAND, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—In a major move against human trafficking, the H.E.A.L. Human Trafficking Task Force conducted an undercover operation leading to the arrest of six men in Ashland County, as announced by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Ashland County Sheriff Kurt Schneider on Wednesday.
The sting operation, executed on December 5, aimed at apprehending individuals seeking commercial sex while also identifying potential victims of human trafficking.
Support for the initiative was provided by the Ashland Police Division and Safe Haven of Ashland.
“These are men you might encounter any day—a farmer, a forklift operator, an auto parts manager, and an electrician,” stated Yost in a press release. “Our task forces conduct these stings not only to reduce the demand for human trafficking but also to raise awareness that this nefarious behavior happens all across the state.”
Sheriff Schneider emphasized the collaborative efforts to combat exploitation, stating, “Buying sex is illegal in Ohio, and we will continue to work proactively to eradicate this crime. Victims of human trafficking endure pain and suffering, and we are committed to helping them while bringing offenders to justice.”
Those arrested and charged with engaging in prostitution in Ashland Municipal Court include:
- Mark Gamble, 55, from Dublin
- James Heffelfinger, 62, from Butler
- Christopher Johnson, 33, from Mansfield
- Carlos Osorio, 43, from Bucyrus
- Steven Shilliday, 28, from Ashland
- Scott Stolcals, 41, from Nova
Authorities revealed that one individual believed to be a potential victim of human trafficking was identified and has since been connected with social services.
The H.E.A.L. Task Force, which operates under the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission, consists of agencies from Huron, Erie, Ashland, and Lorain counties, with assistance from the Perkins Township and Sheffield Village Police Departments.
Reporting Human Trafficking in Ohio
If you suspect trafficking, you can report it by contacting:
- Call: (844) END-OHHT
- Text: “ENDOHHT” to 847411
- App: END OHHT (available on Apple & Android)
- Online: ohioattorneygeneral.gov/ENDOHHT