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Longtime Portsmouth attorney accused of human trafficking has died

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PORTSMOUTH, Ohio (AP) — A veteran attorney from Portsmouth who was charged last year with human trafficking involving six women — most, former clients —  has died, according to published reports.

Michael Mearan had been taken to a hospital on Wednesday and died there Friday from undisclosed “health complications,” according to his attorney, Michael Siewert.

A cause of death has not yet been determined for the 75-year-old Mearan, who suffered from diabetes and congestive heart disease.

Mearan had denied the accusations against him, saying in a court filing that the allegations were based on testimony from “numerous felons” who received favorable treatment for cooperating with investigators.