Authorities executed simultaneous search warrants at four Northeast Ohio businesses: one in Lorain, and others in North Ridgeville, Westlake, and Willoughby. The raid in Lorain took place at a strip mall location near the corner of Oberlin Avenue and W. 40th Street.
The Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force carried out the operation with support from the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office, Cuyahoga Regional Human Trafficking Task Force, Ohio Investigative Unit, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and additional agencies. Investigators said victim support services were available at each site, with trauma-informed advocates on standby.
No arrests or charges have been announced as of Thursday morning. The Attorney General’s Office confirmed that investigations remain ongoing.
Public Urged to Report Tips
Officials are asking the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected human trafficking activity. Tips can be submitted to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or through the Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force website.
Community members with knowledge of suspicious activity at the Lorain location are encouraged to step forward.
Attribution and Follow-Up
This story includes confirmed details from the Ohio Attorney General’s official press release and reporting first published by Cleveland 19 News.