CANTON, Ohio — Several state and local law enforcement units collaborated on a human trafficking sting in the Canton area last week that resulted in multiple arrests and as many as four victims saved.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), the joint operation was conducted for eight hours on Jan. 11 in the city of Green and in Jackson Township.
The OSHP says troopers, Ohio Investigative Unit agents and officers from several departments conducted undercover operations which resulted in making contact with four "potential human trafficking victims." Meanwhile, four arrests were made for promoting prostitution and 12 arrests for engaging in solicitation. Troopers say all cases are still under investigation and charges are pending.
As part of the operation, the OSHP says victim advocates from Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center were available to provide services to those in need. Medical services were also provided.
“Our goal every day is to save lives, which is why we conduct operations like this that provides us the opportunity to remove victims from traffickers,” said OSHP Superintendent Colonel Charles A. Jones in a statement. “Through these collaborations, we can collectively focus on our shared mission to stop human traffickers, educate Ohioans and provide safe refuge for victims.”
If you see potential human trafficking taking place, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline Resource Center (NHTRC) at 888-373-7888, text HELP to BEFREE (233733) or call the OSHP at #677.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was joined by the Ohio Investigative Unit, Medina County Sheriff’s Office, Stark County Sheriff’s Office, Summit County Human Trafficking Task Force, Portage County Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson Township Police Department in the human trafficking operation.
