ELYRIA, Ohio — An Elyria man will spend the rest of his days behind bars after being found guilty of multiple human trafficking and sexual assault charges last week.
Lorain County Common Pleas Judge James Miraldi on Thursday sentenced Steven Gilbert, 36, to life in prison. The violent prostitution ringleader will only be eligible for parole after he has served at least 172 1/2 years, meaning he is almost certain to die while incarcerated.
In what was called "Lorain County's first ever human trafficking trial," Gilbert was arrested in November of 2021 on accusations of operating a human trafficking ring for multiple years. Prosecutors say he "physically and psychologically abused" at least nine women, all while raping, beating, drugging, and withholding food from them if they did not meet his demands.
On May 1, Miraldi was convicted of the following 31 charges, many with either firearm or human trafficking specifications:
- 7 counts of trafficking in persons
- 3 counts of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity
- 2 counts of rape
- 3 counts of kidnapping
- 1 count of aggravated robbery
- 5 counts of compelling prostitution
- 1 count of sexual battery
- 2 counts of money laundering
- 5 counts of promoting prostitution
- 2 counts of having weapons under disability
Gilbert had previously been convicted of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, and is currently already in prison on various drug charges. During this investigation, authorities also took three Mercedes-Benz cars and roughly $21,000 in cash from his possession.
"Steven Gilbert committed monstrous acts that violated the most basic rights of his victims," Lorain County Prosecutor J.D. Tomlinson said in a statement following today's sentencing. "Our community can rest easier knowing that he will be off the streets for the rest of his life. I also hope that this sentence shows to offenders throughout Northeast Ohio that my Office will do everything in its power to hold human traffickers accountable."
If he is somehow ever released from custody, Gilbert will be required to register as a Tier III sex offender (the highest classification in Ohio) for the rest of his life.