Buckeye Reporter

Five people from Columbus have been indicted by a Franklin County grand jury on charges related to violent crime, narcotics distribution, and human trafficking. The announcement was made by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

The investigation began in January 2025 after the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force received tips about the group’s activities. The task force is part of the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC) and is led by the Columbus Division of Police. According to officials, the criminal activity occurred between November 2024 and November 2025.

The indictment alleges that Justin Davis led a criminal organization on Columbus’ West Side, aiming to expand its human trafficking operations through violence and drug sales. Five individuals face various felony charges:

Justin Davis, age 40, faces 25 felony counts including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, trafficking in persons, promoting prostitution, compelling prostitution, multiple drug offenses, tampering with evidence, money laundering, receiving proceeds subject to forfeiture, and possession of weapons under disability.

Cieara Tesso, age 28, was indicted on 15 felony charges such as engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, promoting prostitution, drug offenses, tampering with evidence, money laundering, receiving proceeds subject to forfeiture, and possessing weapons under disability.

Jeffery Willis, age 69, faces eight felony counts including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, promoting prostitution, drug-related offenses including permitting drug abuse and money laundering.

Renika Crowley, age 42, is charged with nine felonies including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity as well as various drug offenses and money laundering.

Roselind Fout, age 40, was indicted on seven felony charges that include engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity along with several drug-related crimes and money laundering.

Indictments are formal accusations only; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

The Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force includes members from several law enforcement agencies: Columbus Division of Police; Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation; Homeland Security Investigations; FBI; sheriff’s offices from Delaware County,Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Fairfield County,Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, Licking County,Licking County Sheriff’s Office; Powell Police Department;Powell Police Department; Ohio State University Police Department;Ohio State University Police Department; Marysville Police Department;Marysville Police Department; Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office; Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office; Union County Prosecutor’s Office; Southeast Healthcare;Southeast Healthcare and Salvation Army.Salvation Army

Attorney General Yost encouraged the public to report suspected human trafficking through several methods: calling (844) END-OHHT; texting “ENDOHHT” to 847411; downloading the END OHHT app for Apple or Android devices; or submitting information online at ohioattorneygeneral.gov/ENDOHHT.

“Indictments contain only allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in court.”