YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — *Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.
A former Youngstown physician has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for sex trafficking minors.
53-year-old Albert Aiad-Toss, of Canfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Pamela A. Barker on Thursday. As the largest juvenile sex trafficking prosecution to date, Aiad-Toss was also sentenced to lifetime supervised release, a $50,000 fine and a special assessment of $40,800.
Prior to sentencing, Aiad-Toss plead guilty to seven counts of sex trafficking of a minor and one count of child exploitation.
“Through the collaborative efforts of the Ashland Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office and our office, law enforcement has once again demonstrated our unwavering commitment to holding traffickers accountable and protecting our children," said Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan. "The young victims in this case bravely and courageously shared their experiences and certainly prevented other young girls from being similarly victimized,”
Between June 1, 2019 and June 29 of the same year, the former physician used social media, Snapchat specifically, to "entice, recruit and patronize six minors" to engage in sexual conduct with him. All of the victims were between the ages of 12 and 15. He lured them with money, alcohol, clothing and other items of value. According to officials the expense was budgeted into his finances; he allotted $2,000 per month to be spent on "obtaining young girls for sexual exploitation."
To avoid detection, Aiad-Toss targeted young girls in Ashland County, 90 minutes from his home, to avoid being seen. He also made his victims use the side door of hotel entrances.
Albert Aiad-Toss was arrested on July 5, 2019.
"The abuse of a child is both despicable and incomprehensible," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. "Aiad-Toss, using his position of trust, admitted to engaging in sexual acts with minors. As a result, Aiad-Toss will be serving a significant and just sentence in federal prison. Law enforcement will continue our unceasing efforts to protect our most precious resource, our children."
*Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.