COLUMBUS, Ohio — Seventeen people were arrested in human trafficking sting operations in Fairfield County conducted on March 1 and 8.
The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office said undercover investigators set up sting operations at hotels throughout the county after placing ads on websites that are known for advertising sexual services.
Those arrested are charged with engaging in prostitution. The sheriff’s office said the stings were done as a “concerted effort to stem the demand that fuels human trafficking that occurs nationwide.”
Among those arrested was a pediatric dentist from Lancaster and a professor at the Columbus State Community College from Pickerington.
The Lancaster Police Department, Major Crimes Unit and Fairfield County Law Director’s Office assisted in the operation.
“We work diligently to make Fairfield County a safe and secure place for all. Prostitution can lead to more serious crimes, such as human trafficking, and compromise the safety of our communities,” the sheriff’s office said in a release.
