A Huron man was arrested on felony charges after law enforcement officials say he attempted to meet two individuals he believed were underage girls in exchange for contraband.
Travis Brown, 39, was taken into custody in Monroeville by members of the HEAL Human Trafficking Task Force. Investigators allege Brown had communicated with individuals he believed were 12 and 17 years old and arranged to meet them for sexual activity. The individuals were undercover officers.
According to the Huron County Sheriff’s Office, Brown used social media to make contact and offered items such as vapes and alcohol in exchange for sex. Deputies say he arrived at the meeting location in his SUV, which contained bedding materials in the back of the vehicle.
Brown was arrested at the scene without incident and transported to the Huron County Jail. He is currently facing charges of importuning and compelling prostitution. Authorities said further charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
The operation was carried out by the HEAL Task Force, which consists of personnel from the sheriff’s offices of Huron, Erie, Ashland, and Lorain counties. The task force is part of the Major Crimes Unit within the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials are reviewing whether additional incidents may have occurred in other counties. Anyone with information related to Brown or similar contact is asked to call the Human Trafficking Task Force Hotline at 440-365-9240.