ELYRIA — Thirteen individuals were taken into custody Friday as part of an ongoing labor trafficking investigation in Elyria, according to the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators were conducting surveillance related to a suspected labor trafficking operation when they identified a key suspect who had overstayed a visa and previously had removal orders issued by federal authorities.
During the operation, deputies stopped three vehicles believed to be connected to the investigation. Two of the vehicles were owned by companies under suspicion of involvement in labor trafficking.
Authorities located 13 individuals who were identified as potential victims of the operation. According to the sheriff’s office, all 13 were determined to be in the country illegally and were working for the companies under investigation.
Two of the individuals fled on foot during traffic stops conducted near Leona Street and Griswold Road. A perimeter was established by sheriff’s deputies and Elyria police officers, and both individuals were later found hiding under a large mulch pile at Pandy’s Garden Center.
All 13 individuals were taken into custody and transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Border Patrol agents due to their non-resident status.
The three drivers involved in the traffic stops were found to be operating vehicles without a valid driver’s license.
One individual taken into custody was identified as being wanted in the state of California on charges including rape, incest, threatening a crime with intent to terrorize, and false imprisonment with violence. Authorities are awaiting confirmation of those charges and potential extradition.
The investigation remains ongoing.