Multi-Agency Human Trafficking Enforcement Effort Results In 18 Regional Arrests DuringOperation Spring Cleaning

NEWS RELEASE

May 22nd, 2026

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PORTSMOUTH, OH – The Southern Ohio Organized and Major Crimes Task Force, alongside the U.S. 23 Pipeline Task Force, successfully wrapped up their participation in the Ohio Attorney General’s statewide human trafficking enforcement initiative, Operation Spring Cleaning. The coordinated effort took place from May 13 through May 20, 2026, operating under the direction of the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC).

Within Southern Ohio, operations spanned Scioto, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, and Ross counties. Partnering with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, the task forces focused on prostitution demand reduction, human trafficking and online exploitation investigations, and victim- centered enforcement.

The regional effort resulted in 18 arrests, which included one male charged with compelling prostitution. By coordinating simultaneous enforcement across multiple counties, investigators were able to disrupt exploitation networks and strengthen their ability to combat human trafficking over a massive geographic area.

"This operation sends a clear message that we will not tolerate the exploitation of vulnerable people in our communities,"stated Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman. "I am incredibly proud of the men and women of our office, the task forces, and our partner agencies who worked tirelessly throughout Operation Spring Cleaning. By bridging our resources across county lines and partnering with the Attorney General's Office, we are actively disrupting these criminal networks, holding offenders accountable, and making Southern Ohio a safer place to live, work, and visit." Statewide, Operation Spring Cleaning mobilized task forces and partner agencies across 15 Ohio counties. The massive initiative resulted in 122 arrests, including 84 individuals charged with engaging in prostitution or solicitation and 38 felony arrests for offenses related to promoting prostitution, compelling prostitution, human trafficking, attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, and drug-related crimes. Law enforcement executed 15 search warrants at locations suspected of human trafficking, seizing more than $120,000 and securing evidence for ongoing cases. Crucially, 42 human trafficking survivors were identified and referred to healthcare and social service organizations for immediate assistance.

The operation also yielded secondary criminal disruptions. While conducting the detail in Pike County, investigators received actionable intelligence regarding a male subject actively wanted on an outstanding warrant. Agents working the Pike County operation teamed up with detectives and patrol deputies from the Pike County Sheriff's Office to locate the individual, taking him into

custody without incident.

During the subsequent arrest, agents established probable cause leading to the discovery of approximately two pounds of suspected methamphetamine and drug-related paraphernalia inside the subject’s vehicle. Following this successful enforcement action, agents immediately returned to continue their primary Operation Spring Cleaning duties.

“Human trafficking and exploitation are not isolated to larger cities. They exist in rural communities as well,” stated the Director of the Southern Ohio Organized and Major Crimes Task Force. “Through regional cooperation and proactive enforcement efforts, we will continue working to reduce demand, hold offenders accountable, disrupt criminal activity, and protect vulnerable individuals throughout Southern Ohio.”

The Southern Ohio Organized and Major Crimes Task Force and the U.S. 23 Pipeline Task Force extend their sincere gratitude to all participating agencies, investigators, prosecutors, victim advocates, and partner organizations involved in Operation Spring Cleaning. Their shared dedication and seamless cooperation were the driving force behind the success of this regional public safety effort.