In a recent crackdown on human trafficking in Ohio, a sting operation led to the arrest of eight men in Steubenville, including one charged with attempting to engage in sexual conduct with a minor. The collaborative enforcement action was between the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force and the Steubenville Police Department, as reported by the Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, along with Steubenville Police Chief Ken Anderson, on Oct. 9th declared the success of the operation held over two days, on Oct. 7 and 8. Yost emphatically stated, "Don’t buy sex in Ohio!” According to a statement obtained by the Ohio Attorney General's office, Chief Anderson highlighted, “It is vital that we continue to work together and commit our time, effort and resources to combat human trafficking.” Chief Anderson believes these actions raise awareness and help to deter the ongoing exploitation issue.
The arrested include Charles Shifflett, 51, from West Virginia, who now faces felony charges for compelling prostitution and other related crimes after he allegedly tried to involve himself sexually with a minor. Another individual, Justin Sabo of St. Clairsville, is accused of promoting prostitution, which is a fourth-degree felony, after he purportedly tried to set up an encounter with an undercover agent.
The remaining six men were charged with misdemeanors related to engaging in prostitution and possession of criminal tools. These men hail from various locations ranging from Pennsylvania to West Virginia. Amongst those charged were Kenneth D. Anderson, John Denk, Richard Matve, Jerrod Rhine, Jeffrey Romey, and John Williams. This sting operation marks the second collaborative effort between the task force and the Steubenville Police Department; an earlier sting in July 2024 resulted in 10 arrests.
The Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force, which orchestrated the sting, operates under the direction of the Ohio Attorney General's Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission. The task force boasts a wide-reaching network, including representatives from several law enforcement agencies and the Homeland Security Investigations. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office also assisted with the recent operation.
