On Thursday, January 11, the Summit Regional Human Trafficking Task Force – consisting of the Summit, Medina, Stark, and Portage County Sheriff’s Offices – in collaboration with the Springfield Township Police Department, Akron Police Department, Jackson Township Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Adult Parole Authority, and Ohio Investigative Unit conducted joint undercover human trafficking operations in the City of Green and in Jackson Township.
Over the course of eight hours, 12 arrests were made in the City of Green, all of which resulted in charges of engaging in prostitution. Additionally, four women were taken into custody and offered social services through Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center in Akron.
“I’m proud of my team and their dedication to fighting the scourge of human trafficking in our region,” said Sheriff Kandy Fatheree, “and I’m grateful for the strong partnerships we have with neighboring agencies in this fight.”
“Our organized crime task forces are leading the charge against sophisticated human trafficking networks in Ohio,” said Attorney General Dave Yost upon learning of the operation. “Their successful busts deliver swift justice to traffickers and a lifeline to survivors.”
