Authorities in northeast Ohio have arrested over a dozen men in early 2025 as part of ongoing efforts by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force to combat human trafficking. The arrests include individuals ranging from ages 29 to 57, such as a former police officer, part-time firefighter, former nurse, and a current federal employee.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene made the announcement. Yost stated, “If you’re looking for romance this Valentine’s Day, spend your money on flowers and chocolate. Don’t even think about buying sex in Ohio – it could land you a date with our task force.”
The task force has been involved in various operations including executing search warrants at locations like massage parlors and securing indictments related to child pornography and promoting prostitution. Sheriff Greene emphasized their ongoing commitment: “Every arrest is a win in the fight against human trafficking, but we’re far from finished. Our task force isn’t slowing down. The Mahoning Valley is off-limits to human trafficking.”
Yost added that the focus remains on putting sexual predators behind bars: “There is only one place in society for sexual deviants who prey upon the vulnerable – prison.”
Recent investigations have led to significant charges against several individuals. For instance, Connor Rivas was charged with promotion of child sexual trafficking after being found with a missing minor from Ohio. Other cases include Robert Rogers’ indictment for pandering obscenity involving minors and Jon Carl Nelder’s sentencing for similar offenses.
The task force also executed an operation at Harmony Foot Spa resulting in charges against Shanshan Zhang for promoting prostitution among other offenses.
In January and February alone, multiple arrests were made across various locations with suspects facing charges related to prostitution and possession of criminal tools.
The Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force operates under the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC), which covers 25 counties across Ohio.
To report suspected human trafficking in Ohio:
– Call (844) END-OHHT
– Text “ENDOHHT” to 847411
– Download the END OHHT app
– Submit information online at gov/ENDOHHT
For media inquiries, contact Steve Irwin at 614-728-5417.
