COLUMBUS, Ohio – A massive statewide human trafficking operation, Operation END-OHHT, has resulted in the arrest of 132 individuals and the identification of 74 survivors, according to an announcement from Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. The operation, which ran from October 6 to October 12, 2024, was led by the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC) and involved over 100 law enforcement agencies across the state.
The initiative, aimed at curbing human trafficking by targeting those who buy sex, took place in 19 counties and involved major enforcement activities in cities such as Akron, Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, and Marietta. Of the 132 arrested, 110 “johns” face charges for soliciting prostitution, while 22 others were charged with felonies for attempting to engage in commercial sex with minors or for drug-related offenses. The individuals arrested ranged in age from 21 to 71, representing a wide range of professions, including laborers, government workers, and business owners.
Authorities also raided nine locations tied to human trafficking, including massage parlors and a motel, seizing over $20,000 in cash, narcotics, and firearms. These raids advanced long-term investigations related to child exploitation and sex trafficking.
Among the most notable arrests were Terrance Cummings, charged with federal crimes involving the sexual exploitation of a minor, and Anthony Simms, facing charges of sex trafficking a minor. Additionally, Edson David Aguilera Ramos, a Honduran national, was arrested for attempting to solicit sex from a minor. Others arrested included a chief fire inspector, a former prosecutor, and a high school referee.
In addition to making arrests, the operation prioritized supporting human trafficking survivors. During a raid at three massage parlors in Lake County, authorities interviewed and offered services to six survivors, helping them connect with health care and social services.
“We have to attack this scourge by curbing the demand,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said. “This operation aimed to hold accountable those who exploit survivors or fuel human trafficking by agreeing to pay for sex.”
The operation, named after Ohio’s new human trafficking hotline (844-END-OHHT), is part of the state’s ongoing effort to combat human trafficking. Officials from agencies involved in the operation, including Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant, emphasized the importance of collaborative law enforcement efforts and protecting vulnerable populations.
The success of Operation END-OHHT was made possible through the coordinated efforts of various human trafficking task forces across Ohio, including the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force, and other local and federal agencies.
The public is urged to report any suspicious activity or suspected human trafficking through the 844-END-OHHT hotline, as Ohio continues to push for stronger enforcement and protections against human trafficking across the state.
