COLUMBUS, Ohio — Law enforcement task forces operating under the umbrella of the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission, led by the Ohio Attorney General’s office, are making significant progress in the state’s ongoing battle against human traffickers and sexual predators. Recent reports from three of these specialized units highlight their success in bringing offenders to justice.
Attorney General Dave Yost emphasized the significance of these task forces in safeguarding communities from the scourge of human trafficking and exploitation. “A john buying sex has no idea if the other party is a willing participant, a victim of human trafficking – or one of our task force agents,” Yost said. “Our task forces are enforcing the law and making sure that those seeking to buy sex face swift charges.”
These task forces adopt a comprehensive strategy, with a primary focus on reducing the demand for human trafficking – an integral part of the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission’s priorities. The approach involves the formation of cross-departmental task forces that effectively collaborate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Working tirelessly to apprehend individuals involved in purchasing sex or soliciting minors, as well as those possessing child pornography and materials that exploit children sexually, the task forces have recently closed several notable cases:
1. Summit Regional Human Trafficking Task Force
On July 11, the Summit Regional Human Trafficking Task Force conducted a targeted operation against buyers of sex, resulting in the arrest and charging of nine men. Among the charged individuals were Roshan Portel, 21, of Akron, and Scott Data, 58, of Norton. Both were charged with compelling prostitution after attempting to engage in sexual activities with a “16-year-old girl.” Six others were charged with engaging in prostitution. Kenneth Brooks, 34, of Canton, was also charged with a parole violation. The Summit County Sheriff’s Office leads the task force, which includes various law enforcement agencies from the region.
2. Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force
Joseph Garchar, a 47-year-old resident of Lowellville, received a sentence of 24 years and three months in prison on July 12. His sentencing followed a long-term investigation conducted by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force, which culminated in Garchar pleading guilty in the U.S. Northern District Court of Ohio to sexually exploiting a minor by possessing child pornography. The task force, led by the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office, includes several law enforcement agencies from the surrounding area.
3. Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force
Nicholas Hutchins, 39, was found to be operating a commercial sex-trafficking operation out of various locations in Warrensville Heights and Maple Heights. Following a meticulous investigation, the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force executed several search warrants, leading to the identification of victims, seizure of numerous firearms, illegal drugs, and $116,805 in cash. Hutchins pleaded guilty to trafficking in persons, drug trafficking, and possession of criminal tools. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and designated as a Tier II sex offender. His co-conspirators, Nadine Siggres, 40, and Ariel Taylor, 33, had previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced accordingly.
These recent achievements underscore the relentless efforts of Ohio’s task forces in dismantling human trafficking networks and holding those responsible accountable for their heinous crimes. As they continue to collaborate and coordinate their actions, the state moves one step closer to a safer future for its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable among them.
