Buckeye Reporter

A statewide human trafficking operation in Ohio led to the arrest of 135 individuals seeking to buy sex, including those attempting to solicit minors, according to an announcement by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. The operation, named "Operation Next Door," involved more than 100 law enforcement agencies and took place across urban, suburban, and rural areas throughout the state.

“Operation Next Door was named to highlight the proximity and prevalence of human trafficking,” Yost said. “Too often, we are lulled into the false narrative that these crimes happen only in the shadows. This is simply not true – human trafficking occurs in plain sight and, unfortunately, may even be fueled by your co-workers or neighbors.”

The effort was coordinated by the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC) under AG Yost’s leadership. The OOCIC’s human trafficking task forces were joined by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

Of those arrested during the operation:

- 32 people face felony charges such as promoting prostitution, compelling prostitution, seeking sex with a minor, and drug-related offenses.

- 103 individuals were charged with engaging in prostitution or solicitation.

- Law enforcement referred 67 survivors of human trafficking to healthcare and social service organizations.

- Authorities executed nine search warrants on massage parlors in Toledo, Cleveland, and Akron areas. Over $62,000 was seized along with evidence for ongoing investigations.

Among those arrested were individuals who identified themselves as clergy members, teachers, military personnel, a Walmart employee, a federal defense attorney, substitute teachers, and former police officers.

Specific cases included:

- Recovery of a 14-year-old girl at risk for trafficking by the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force.

- Seizure of over $30,400 from businesses suspected of facilitating human trafficking activities.

- Execution of multiple search warrants at massage parlors suspected of involvement in illegal activity.

Law enforcement also recovered adult victims with developmental disabilities and missing juveniles during sting operations. Charges filed ranged from pandering obscenities involving minors to attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.

Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin stated: “We are proud to work closely with the Attorney General’s Office on this critical statewide human trafficking operation. This effort reflects the collaboration of law enforcement agencies and our shared commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and holding offenders accountable.”

Toledo Police Chief Michael Troendle commented: “Our officers were proud to participate in this statewide initiative to combat human trafficking, focusing on illegal activities within prostitution and illicit massage parlors. This operation reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting our community and standing with victims. We will continue working closely with our partners to ensure that victims of these heinous crimes are identified, supported, and given a pathway to safety and recovery.”

Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said: “The Columbus Division of Police remains steadfast in our commitment to reducing the demand for prostitution and dismantling the networks that fuel human trafficking in Ohio. Operations like this send a clear message: Those who seek to exploit others will be held accountable. Our Human Trafficking Task Force and PACT officers work tirelessly to identify and assist victims while pursuing those responsible for their exploitation. We are proud to join law enforcement agencies across the state in this unified effort to protect the vulnerable and uphold the dignity of every single person in our community.”

Homeland Security Investigations Detroit Acting Special-Agent-in-Charge Matt Stentz added: “Homeland Security Investigations is proud to stand with the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission in the fight against human trafficking. These operations demonstrate the power of collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies to dismantle trafficking networks, rescue victims, and hold perpetrators accountable. Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights... Together we are making Ohio a safer place for all."

Other officials from county sheriffs’ offices around Ohio echoed support for continued efforts against human trafficking through collaborative task force operations.

The operation involved extensive participation from law enforcement entities including police departments from Columbus Division of Police; sheriff’s offices such as Franklin County Sheriff’s Office; federal agencies like Homeland Security Investigations; local organizations including Salvation Army; healthcare providers; prosecutorial offices; child advocacy centers; university police departments; U.S. Border Patrol; Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement; among others.

A full list naming dozens arrested across different regions was released by authorities following completion of Operation Next Door.

The Attorney General's Office acknowledged contributions from all participating agencies as well as non-governmental organizations involved in supporting survivors throughout this initiative.