CLEVELAND — A Cleveland man, who is accused of advertising sex in a dozen states, is facing 17 felony charges after an investigation by the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force.
Thirty-one-year-old Deondre Inkton was indicted by a Cuyahoga County grand jury on charges of trafficking in persons, compelling prostitution, promoting prostitution, money laundering and possessing criminal tools.
According to the indictment, Inkton is accused of trafficking eight women, but authorities believe there may be additional survivors who have not yet come forward. Those individuals are asked to contact the task force at 216-443-6085.
“This operation covered a vast stretch of territory, leading us to believe that more victims might still be out there,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said. “We are grateful to the survivors who have already spoken to our task force, and we encourage other survivors to share what they know. Your tip could spare someone else the anguish of being trafficked.”
The Ohio Attorney General's Office said that investigators tied Inkton to more than 4,000 sex advertisements in 12 states, including 2,000 in Ohio.
Evidence alleges that Inkton "physically and sexually abused women to force them into prostitution, then received the proceeds of that exploitation via cash and electronic transfers."
Additionally, he allegedly transported victims across the eastern United States and Nevada to engage in prostitution. Officials say that the crimes Inkton was indicted for took place in a span of roughly two years.
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley also echoed Yost's request for other victims to contact investigators.
“We are grateful for the work of the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force and all of our law enforcement partners that worked together,” O’Malley said. “It is their work that led to Deondre Inkton’s prosecution. We believe Inkton may have done this to others. If you have any information regarding Inkton or if you are a survivor, please contact the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force.”
Euclid resident Donte Cole, A protégé of Inkton, was also indicted in a separate human trafficking case late last year in federal court for allegedly trafficking an Ohio child for sex in Pennsylvania. The Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force assisted federal authorities with Cole’s case.
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