Eight women rescued in Central Ohio human trafficking operation

New Albany, OH – On Thursday, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and New Albany Police Chief Greg Jones announced that eight woman were rescued and arrested for engaging in prostitution during a human trafficking sting.

The sting was held on Wednesday in New Albany, located in Central Ohio. Victim advocates were also on site to provide access to resources.

“Arresting the people who are the victims of human trafficking sounds harsh, but the complicated reality is that this often is the best way that law enforcement can help,” Attorney General Yost said. “The bonds of human trafficking are often chemical chains of addiction and a hopelessness that there is no other way. This gives the survivors a chance to reset with services that are available.”

“It also gives the women the opportunity to provide information that can help put their traffickers behind bars, thereby protecting other victims like themselves,” Attorney General Yost added.

“We look at this as an opportunity to try to help women, and sometimes children, escape prostitution and the inherent dangers that come with their exploitation,” said Chief Jones. “We are proud to partner with other law enforcement agencies to help break the cycle of dehumanizing activity and help these survivors begin a new and safer path.”

The Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, New Albany Police Department, Dublin Police Department, Columbus Division of Police, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Salvation Army and Southeast Healthcare’s HOPE task force were all involved in the sting.