Multi-county prostitution operation nets 8

NORWALK — A multi-agency human trafficking enforcement operation in Norwalk resulted in the arrest of eight individuals and the seizure of two firearms, according to a release from the H.E.A.L. Human Trafficking Task Force. The Norwalk operation was conducted on Feb. 13, in cooperation with the Huron, Erie, Ashland and Lorain County Sheriff's Offices along with the Norwalk, Willard and Perkins police departments. The effort focused on what the task force described as the "primary driver of human trafficking in the area." "The multi-agency operation focused on addressing demand for commercial sex acts," the task force said in a written statement. "While targeting buyers, the operation also prioritized identifying and offering resources to any potential victim(s) of trafficking." Investigators arrested eight individuals who were allegedly seeking to engage in prostitution. All eight were transported to the Huron County Sheriff's Office for processing. Each was charged with misdemeanor solicitation of prostitution and engaging in prostitution, according to the release. Police said operations of this type are designed not only to make arrests, but also to deter future activity and reduce conditions that allow trafficking to occur, especially amongst minors. By focusing enforcement efforts on those attempting to purchase sex, police say they aim to disrupt what sustains trafficking networks, the money. In addition to the arrests, two firearms were recovered during the investigation. The weapons were found in the possession of individuals arrested during the operation and were secured as evidence, according to the release. "The presence of the two firearms highlights the danger in these types of illicit transactions," the task force release said. No additional details were released regarding the firearms and authorities limited their responses to what was in the press release. The task force said the investigation remains ongoing and did not rule out the possibility of additional charges. What is H.E.A.L.? H.E.A.L. was formed through an effort by the Ohio Attorney General's Office to focus on human trafficking crime enforcement in the state. The Lorain County Sheriff's Office is the lead agency of the H.E.A.L. task force, which works in Huron, Erie, Ashland and Lorain counties and is made up of federal, state and local agencies investigating sex and labor trafficking cases. The task force works with law enforcement partners and non-governmental agencies that provide services to those impacted by human trafficking. The task force also provides training related to the prevention, identification and investigation of human trafficking cases, according to the Lorain County Sheriff's office. Anyone with information regarding suspected human trafficking or suspicious activity in those counties is encouraged to contact the H.E.A.L. Human Trafficking Task Force at 440-284-0615.