COLUMBUS, Ohio — A multi-agency investigation by the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force has resulted in the indictment of five people on a combined 27 felony counts related to an alleged criminal enterprise that trafficked women for commercial sex in the Columbus area.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced the indictments on May 28, 2026. The case stems from evidence gathered after task force members encountered a survivor during a statewide operation in September 2025.
According to the announcement, the group allegedly operated primarily in north Columbus. Authorities say the suspected leader, Derrick Christopher Soto, 36, of Columbus, used false promises and narcotics to coerce women into performing sex acts for profit. Other defendants allegedly helped by advertising encounters online and transporting women to meet buyers.
The indictment, filed in Delaware County Common Pleas Court, charges the following individuals:
• Derrick Christopher Soto, 36, Columbus: One count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity (first-degree felony), six counts of promoting prostitution (fourth-degree felonies), and four counts of money laundering (third-degree felonies).
• Jacob Andrew Williston, 23, Columbus: One count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity (first-degree felony), two counts of promoting prostitution (fourth-degree felonies), and one count of money laundering (third-degree felony).
• Johnnie Jo Nathan Barringer, 42, Toledo: One count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity (first-degree felony), two counts of promoting prostitution (fourth-degree felonies), and one count of money laundering (third-degree felony).
• Nikki Ann Brletic, 29, Columbus: One count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity (first-degree felony), two counts of promoting prostitution (fourth-degree felonies), and one count of money laundering (third-degree felony).
• Jayla Marie James, 27, Columbus: One count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity (first-degree felony), two counts of promoting prostitution (fourth-degree felonies), and one count of money laundering (third-degree felony).
The Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office is handling the prosecution. Indictments represent allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
The Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force operates under Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission and is led by the Columbus Division of Police. Participating agencies include the Dublin Police Department, FBI, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Grove City Police Department, Hilliard Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Marysville Police Department, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Salvation Army, and Southeast Healthcare.
This case highlights ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in central and south-central Ohio. Residents in areas like Delaware, Franklin, and surrounding counties are encouraged to remain vigilant.
How to Report Suspected Human Trafficking in Ohio:
• Call: (844) END-OHHT
• Text: “ENDOHHT” to 847411
• Download the END OHHT app (available on Apple and Android devices)
• Submit tips online at ohioattorneygeneral.gov/ENDOHHT
