Two Texas Men Arrested in Columbus for Human Trafficking Operation Involving Juvenile Victim
Columbus, OH – Two men from Texas have been arrested in Columbus, Ohio, following a joint human trafficking operation that rescued four victims, including a juvenile. The suspects, aged 26 and 27, were apprehended on March 13 after a coordinated effort by multiple law enforcement agencies in central Ohio. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost confirmed the arrests on Monday, shedding light on the successful operation.
The suspects, one from Houston and the other from Cypress, Texas, were taken into custody by a team from the Columbus SWAT, Sharon Township Police Department, and other law enforcement units. The 26-year-old suspect was arrested after barricading himself inside a home on West Kanawha Avenue in Sharon Township. The operation was carried out by the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, along with the Columbus Police SWAT team and the Police And Community Together (PACT) Unit, which succeeded the disbanded Vice Unit.
The investigation began when the FBI’s Houston office and the Texas Department of Public Safety contacted Ohio authorities on March 13, alerting them to a juvenile trafficking victim believed to be in Columbus. Following this tip, law enforcement launched an investigation that led them to the two suspects and the discovery of three additional victims. All four victims were identified as being from Texas.
The victims are currently receiving care and support from the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force. One victim was found with the Cypress suspect, while two others were located with the Houston suspect after he barricaded himself. A fourth victim was discovered at a separate location.
Both men face serious charges, including human trafficking and compelling prostitution of a minor. They are currently awaiting extradition back to Texas for further legal proceedings. This successful operation underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals.
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