You are viewing the "human trafficking" Archives
Longtime Portsmouth attorney accused of human trafficking has died
By: Associated Press
Posted on:
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… Read More
The Ohio AG says stings rescue trafficking victims. Often that means they’re arrested.
By: Leila Goldstein | WYSO
Posted on:
WESTERVILLE, Ohio (WYSO) — In April 2021, the Westerville Police encountered a possible sex trafficking victim at a hotel. They were conducting a human trafficking sting, part of a state-wide operation coordinated by the attorney general’s office to combat trafficking. According to the police report, she was soliciting sex and said she was giving her… Read More
Attorney Suspended After He’s Charged With Human Trafficking
TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — The Ohio Supreme Court has suspended the law license of a longtime attorney from southern Ohio who’s charged with human trafficking involving his former clients. The state attorney disciplinary board told the court that attorney Michael Mearan, of Portsmouth, was a danger to the public. The court said Friday it would… Read More
Over 100 Arrests, 100 Survivors In Ohio’s Biggest Human Trafficking Sting
By: Karen Kasler | Statehouse News Bureau
Posted on:
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Statehouse News Bureau) — Around 50 law enforcement agencies have arrested 177 people and found 109 survivors in what’s considered the largest human trafficking sting ever in Ohio. Attorney General Dave Yost said Operation Autumn Hope brought in federal, state and local law enforcement to rescue survivors, recover missing kids, catch people seeking… Read More
Lawmakers Broadening Scope of Human Trafficking Awareness
By: Andy Chow | Statehouse News Bureau
Posted on:
Ohio Democratic lawmakers brought in a big crowd for their 11th annual Human Trafficking Awareness Day at the Ohio Statehouse in order to keep people up-to-date on the latest trends of oppression. Hundreds of survivors, advocates, and law enforcement heard about human trafficking not only for sex, but also for labor. Sen. Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) says a… Read More
New Bill Would Crack Down on People Who Make Human Trafficking Lucrative
By: Jo Ingles | Statehouse News Bureau
Posted on:
Ohio lawmakers are proposing a new bill to crack down on human trafficking by going after the people who fund the practice – those who recruit and force people into prostitution and those who pay for it. Ohio has passed bills to stop human trafficking but Republican Rep. Jena Powell (R-Arcanum) says it is still a big… Read More
More Than 100 People Arrested In Human Trafficking Sting Operation
By: Jo Ingles | Statehouse News Bureau
Posted on:
A three-day, multi-agency, undercover human trafficking sting in Central Ohio has resulted in 104 people being arrested. This sting is just the latest in statewide efforts to combat human trafficking. Attorney General Dave Yost says 30 police agencies worked together in this sting….an operation called “Fourth and Goal.” 53 of 104 arrests were for felonies,… Read More
Advocates Say Awareness Is Vital Tool In Fight Against Human Trafficking
By: Andy Chow | Statehouse News Bureau
Posted on:
Hundreds of people gathered in Columbus for the 10th annual Human Trafficking Awareness Day to discuss the most pressing issues related to the issue and share what has been working in their communities. Advocates, law enforcement, attorneys and human trafficking survivors filled the Ohio Statehouse atrium for the conference hosted by Sen. Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo)… Read More
Author Visit with Sandy Storm
Author Sandy Storm will present her program on the dangers of the commercial sex industry, pornography, and the need for care for the survivors of child sex trafficking.
Important Community Training about Human Trafficking
Did You Know? Ohio has the 4th highest rate of human trafficking among the States. Up to 88% of victims have contact with a medical provider or social agency during the time they are being trafficked. Human trafficking in Southeast Ohio has increased alongside the opioid crisis in our region – this is not just an urban problem. Get… Read More
Halting Traffic: Truckers, Survivors, Fighting Human Trafficking
By: Nicole Erwin | Ohio Valley ReSource
Posted on:
Note: Some readers may find this subject matter disturbing. When Beth Jacobs was 16 years old, she needed a ride home. She had missed her bus after work again after promising her father she was responsible enough not to make it a habit. She asked a man she thought was a friend to give her… Read More