A statewide human trafficking operation conducted last week by more than 100 law enforcement agencies resulted in the arrest of 135 people seeking to buy sex – including from minors, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today.
“Operation Next Door was named to highlight the proximity and prevalence of human trafficking,” Yost said. “Too often, we are lulled into the false narrative that these crimes happen only in the shadows. This is simply not true – human trafficking occurs in plain sight and, unfortunately, may even be fueled by your co-workers or neighbors.”
Led by Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC), Operation Next Door took place in urban centers, suburban communities and rural areas throughout the state. Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies joined forces in the crackdown.
Arrest totals
- 32 people were arrested on felony charges, including promoting prostitution, compelling prostitution, seeking sex with a minor, and drug possession or trafficking.
- 103 “johns” seeking to buy sex were arrested and charged with engaging in prostitution or solicitation.
- 67 human trafficking survivors were referred to health-care and social-services organizations.
- Nine search warrants were executed, including raids on massage parlors in Toledo, Cleveland and Akron. More than $62,000 was seized.
Local arrests
In Northeast Ohio, several men from Stark, Summit and Portage counties were among those charged:
- Robert Mayberry, 48, of Massillon
- Steven Potere, 67, of North Canton
- Tim Ramsell, 55, of Ravenna
- Ralph Reaser, 65, of Ravenna
- Chevaliee Robinson, 47, of Akron
- Nathan Robinson, 34, of Akron
- Jonathan Molek, 40, of Akron
- Deprise Moore, 45, of Akron
- Michael Sherman, 46, of Akron
- Michael Wolters, 31, of Akron
Authorities also executed search warrants at Pearl Spa in Tallmadge and Blue Sky Spa in Akron, both suspected of human trafficking activities.
Additional highlights
- In Avon, investigators arrested Dean Dimon, 76, a priest at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Cleveland, for soliciting prostitution.
- In Ravenna, Jackson Wortman, 28, was arrested on multiple charges, including attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
- In Belpre, Jeremy Friend, 40, was charged with engaging in prostitution and trafficking in drugs.
- In Cleveland Heights, Michael Ford, 55, identified as a schoolteacher, was arrested for engaging in prostitution.
Authorities emphasized that the operation not only targeted buyers but also sought to connect survivors with resources.
“This is not just about making arrests,” Yost said. “It’s about rescuing victims and sending a clear message that Ohio will not tolerate those who fuel this criminal industry.”
