One Defendant Pleads Guilty, Hearings Set for Five Others in Ashland Human Trafficking Sting Case
ASHLAND — One of the six men arrested in a recent Ashland County human trafficking sting has pleaded guilty to a prostitution charge, while court dates have now been set for the remaining defendants.
Judge Good began the session by explaining to all defendants the municipal court process, their right to counsel and the three types of pleas available: guilty, no contest and not guilty. He stressed that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until the state proves the charges beyond a reasonable doubt at trial, and cautioned that anything said in the courtroom is recorded and can be used later in court proceedings.
Steven Shilliday, 28, of Ashland, appeared Tuesday, Dec. 9, in Ashland Municipal Court before Judge John L. Good and pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in prostitution in violation of Ohio Revised Code 2907.231(B).
Judge Good told Shilliday the charge is a first-degree misdemeanor, carrying a maximum possible sentence of up to 180 days in the county jail and a fine of up to $1,000 if convicted.
Before accepting the plea, Good questioned Shilliday at length to make sure he understood the charge, the potential penalties and the constitutional rights he would be waiving by admitting guilt. Shilliday told the court he understood and wished to plead guilty.
According to a summary read in court, members of the H.E.A.L. Human Trafficking Task Force conducted an undercover prostitution operation at a local Ashland motel on Dec. 5, posting online ads offering sexual services for money. Prosecutors said Shilliday responded to one of the ads, agreed to meet an undercover officer at the hotel and stated he intended to pay $80 for oral sex. In the recorded statement, he also admitted to having hired prostitutes numerous times in the past.
Judge Good accepted Shilliday’s guilty plea, found him guilty and ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed by the probation department. Sentencing was set for Jan. 12, 2026, at 10:15 a.m.
Court dates set for other defendants
The other two men charged in connection with the sting also had their cases addressed in court today, with three having had their attorneys set dates:
Christopher Johnson, 33, of Mansfield – Charged with engaging in prostitution. Johnson told the court he wished to hire an attorney. Judge Good continued the matter and set an arraignment and pre-trial hearing for Jan. 12, 2026, at 1 p.m.
Carlos Osorio, 43, of Bucyrus – Also charged with engaging in prostitution. Osorio said he planned to retain counsel and requested additional time. His arraignment and pre-trial hearing was set for Jan. 12, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
Mark Gamble, 55, of Dublin – Charged with engaging in prostitution. Court records show he is represented by attorney James J. Mayer III. An arraignment and pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 9, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.
Scott Stolcals, 41, of Nova, a Ruggles Township trustee – Also represented by James J. Mayer III, Stolcals has his arraignment and pre-trial hearing set for Jan. 9, 2026, at 2:30 p.m., according to court records.
James Heffelfinger, 62, of Butler – Represented by attorney Michael L. Brown, who entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf Monday. Pre-trial scheduled Dec. 8, 2025, at 2:17 p.m.
Background on the sting
All six men were arrested Dec. 5 during a one-day undercover operation in the Ashland area conducted by the H.E.A.L. Human Trafficking Task Force, with assistance from the Ashland Police Division and Safe Haven of Ashland.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said last week that the operation was aimed at reducing demand for human trafficking and reminding the public that such crimes can occur in any community. Ashland County Sheriff Kurt Schneider emphasized that buying sex is illegal in Ohio and that local agencies will continue proactive enforcement to both protect victims and hold offenders accountable.
