Six Men Arrested in Ashland County Human Trafficking Sting
ASHLAND — A coordinated undercover operation led by the H.E.A.L. Human Trafficking Task Force resulted in the arrests of six men accused of attempting to buy sex in Ashland County, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Ashland County Sheriff Kurt Schneider announced Wednesday.
The one-day sting, carried out Dec. 5, targeted individuals seeking commercial sex and worked to identify potential victims of human trafficking. The operation included support from the Ashland Police Division and Safe Haven of Ashland.
“These are men you might encounter any day – a farmer, a forklift operator, an auto parts manager and an electrician,” Yost said in a press release. “Our task forces conduct these stings not only to reduce the demand for human trafficking, but also to raise awareness that this nefarious behavior happens all across the state.”
Sheriff Schneider said the collaboration highlights ongoing efforts to stop those fueling exploitation.
“Buying sex is illegal in Ohio, and we will continue to work proactively to eradicate this crime,” he said. “Victims of human trafficking endure pain and suffering, and we are committed to helping them, while bringing offenders to justice.”
The following individuals were arrested and charged with engaging in prostitution in Ashland Municipal Court:
Mark Gamble, 55, Dublin
James Heffelfinger, 62, Butler
Christopher Johnson, 33, Mansfield
Carlos Osorio, 43, Bucyrus
Steven Shilliday, 28, Ashland
Scott Stolcals, 41, Nova
Investigators also identified one person believed to be a potential victim of human trafficking. That individual has been connected with social services, authorities said.
The H.E.A.L. Task Force — named for its member agencies in Huron, Erie, Ashland and Lorain counties — operates under the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission. Perkins Township Police and Sheffield Village Police are also members.
Reporting Human Trafficking in Ohio
If you suspect trafficking, contact:
Call: (844) END-OHHT
Text: “ENDOHHT” to 847411
App: END OHHT (Apple & Android)
Online: ohioattorneygeneral.gov/ENDOHHT
