Dozens Arrested in Statewide Human Trafficking Sting in Ohio: Results of 'Operation Spring Cleaning' Announced
Officials said 84 people were charged with buying sex and 42 survivors were referred to healthcare and social service organizations.
- Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced Thursday that 122 people were arrested during 'Operation Spring Cleaning,' a statewide human trafficking sting conducted May 13–20 across 15 counties.
- Authorities executed 15 search warrants at massage parlors in Akron, Columbus, and Toledo, while 84 'johns' were arrested for engaging in prostitution or solicitation.
- Among 38 felony arrests were active Cleveland firefighter Jason Petrov and retired Cleveland firefighter Patrick Moner, both charged with engaging in prostitution. Charges also included promoting and compelling prostitution.
- Law enforcement referred 42 trafficking survivors to healthcare and social services. Yost noted this operation brings the total to 1,065 arrests since statewide stings began in 2019.
- To report suspected trafficking, citizens can call 844-363-6448 or text 233733. Yost, who retires June 7, vowed to continue efforts to cut off the cash fueling trafficking.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Tiffin man among 122 charged in Ohio trafficking sting
A Tiffin man was arrested by Lorain County sheriff’s deputies Saturday in a statewide human trafficking sting that resulted in 122 arrests, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced Thursday. Matthew L. Hoke, 42, was booked into the Lorain County Jail at 1:17 p.m. on May 16 on one count of engaging in prostitution, a third-degree misdemeanor under Ohio law, according to sheriff’s office records. He posted a $2,000 cash/surety bond and was releas…
WSFA 12 News
Firefighters accused of trying to solicit sex from minors during human trafficking sting
A current and retired firefighter were among 122 people accused of trying to solicit sex from minors in an Ohio human trafficking sting, according to the state’s attorney general.
Current, former Cleveland firefighters among 122 people arrested in Attorney General's latest statewide sex sting
A statewide sex sting coordinated by the Attorney General's Office led to the arrests of one current and one former Cleveland firefighter on prostitution charges.
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