COLUMBUS, Ohio — A two-day human trafficking sting in Columbus and surrounding areas results in 93 arrests, and 53 victims were referred to local area services, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost on Friday. 

"Operation 614" was carried out between Tuesday and Wednesday, and more than 20 local, state and federal authorities were involved. The Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force identified the individuals trying to pay for sex with minors through websites and social media. 

“Human trafficking is a heinous crime and a morally reprehensible act that deprives a person of their liberty and dignity for another person’s gain. The task force strives to establish a relationship of trust with all victims and is committed to eradicating all forms of human trafficking in Central Ohio," said Sgt. Dana Hess, the director of the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force. 

For the first time in Ohio, those arrested were charged with engaging in prostituion, a first-degree misdemeanor, for paying minors for sex. The charge was made possible under House Bill 431, which went into effect Monday. Under the new charge, offenders must attend an education or treatment program. 

The state has carried out multiple human trafficking stings in the past, including "Autumn Hope" in October of 2020. U.S. Marshals rescued 45 children and arrested 177 alleged offenders during the three-day sting.

Since 2007, Ohio reported more than 2,200 victims of human trafficking, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. In 2019, Ohio had the fifth-most reported cases in the U.S.

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, you can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888)373-7888 or by texting INFO or HELP to 233733 (BeFree).