SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio — Nearly a dozen people were identified as potential human trafficking victims last week when authorities conducted a multi-agency raid in Summit County.
According to the Summit County Sheriff's Office, the raid happened on Jan. 15 and was conducted by members of the sheriff's office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Northfield Village police, Springfield Township police, Akron police and the Summit County Human Trafficking Coalition. The raid was the culmination of an investigation into potential human trafficking in the area.
Authorities said that 10 people were identified as possible victims of human trafficking. They were taken to or referred to support services.
The raid resulted in multiple arrests. According to the sheriff's office, the following people were taken into custody:
- Jose Garcia, 35, of Lorain, was charged with promoting prostitution, a fourth-degree felony.
- A 27-year-old Canton woman was charged with soliciting, a third-degree misdemeanor.
- A 34-year-old Cleveland woman was charged with soliciting, a third-degree misdemeanor.
- A 32-year-old Canton woman was charged with soliciting, a third-degree misdemeanor.
- A 35-year-old Las Vegas resident was charged with soliciting, a third-degree misdemeanor.
- A 26-year-old Las Vegas resident was charged with soliciting, a third-degree misdemeanor.
- A 49-year-old Cleveland man was issued a summons for marijuana possession, a minor misdemeanor.
- John Rodriguez, 46, of North Ridgeville, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for drug possession, a fifth-degree felony.
Warrants were also issued for the arrests of a 27-year-old woman from Fremont and a 30-year-old woman from Cleveland on a charge of solicitation, a third-degree misdemeanor, according to the sheriff's office.
Editor's note: News 5 typically does not name individuals charged with misdemeanor crimes.
RELATED: 7 people charged in Springfield Township human trafficking sting
