COLUMBUS, Ohio – Two Texas men accused of human trafficking were arrested in Columbus after law enforcement tracked them to central Ohio with four victims, including one juvenile, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
The Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, working with local and federal agencies, apprehended Timarrea Granderson, 27, of Cypress, Texas, and Larry Hill, 26, of Houston, after receiving a tip about the missing juvenile.
Investigation and Arrests
On March 13, the FBI’s Houston office and the Texas Department of Public Safety contacted the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, reporting that a juvenile victim was believed to be in Columbus. The Columbus Division of Police’s PACT Unit joined the search.
That evening, Granderson was taken into custody, and one victim was found with him at the time of his arrest.
Later that night, Hill barricaded himself inside a residence on West Kanawha Avenue, where two more victims were found. The Columbus Division of Police’s SWAT team and the Sharon Township Police Department assisted in his arrest.
The fourth victim was recovered at another location.
Victims and Legal Proceedings
The four victims, all Texas residents, are now receiving services and support from the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force.
Granderson and Hill face charges in Texas, including trafficking of a person and compelling prostitution of a minor. They remain in custody while awaiting extradition to Texas.