PORTSMOUTH, Ohio — A coordinated human trafficking enforcement effort spanning multiple Southern Ohio counties resulted in 18 regional arrests during “Operation Spring Cleaning,” according to the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office.
The operation, conducted from May 13 through May 20, 2026, involved the Southern Ohio Organized and Major Crimes Task Force, the U.S. 23 Pipeline Task Force, and numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies operating under the direction of the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC).
Authorities said enforcement efforts took place throughout Scioto, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, and Ross counties, focusing on prostitution demand reduction, human trafficking investigations, online exploitation cases, and victim-centered enforcement operations.
According to officials, the regional operation resulted in 18 arrests, including one male charged with compelling prostitution.
Statewide, Operation Spring Cleaning reportedly mobilized task forces and partner agencies across 15 Ohio counties, leading to 122 arrests. Officials said 84 individuals were charged with prostitution or solicitation-related offenses, while 38 felony arrests involved charges connected to promoting prostitution, compelling prostitution, human trafficking, attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, and drug-related crimes.
Law enforcement agencies also executed 15 search warrants at locations suspected of involvement in human trafficking activity. During those searches, investigators reportedly seized more than $120,000 and collected evidence tied to ongoing criminal investigations.
Authorities stated that 42 human trafficking survivors were identified during the initiative and referred to healthcare and social service organizations for immediate assistance.
The operation also led to additional criminal investigations outside the primary trafficking initiative. During operations in Pike County, investigators reportedly located a male wanted on an outstanding warrant. Authorities said detectives and deputies took the individual into custody without incident before discovering approximately two pounds of suspected methamphetamine and drug-related paraphernalia inside the subject’s vehicle.
Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman said the operation demonstrated the importance of regional cooperation in combating exploitation and organized criminal activity throughout Southern Ohio.
“Human trafficking and exploitation are not isolated to larger cities,” officials stated in the release. “They exist in rural communities as well.”
The Southern Ohio Organized and Major Crimes Task Force and the U.S. 23 Pipeline Task Force thanked participating agencies, investigators, prosecutors, victim advocates, and partner organizations for their involvement in the operation.
As with all criminal cases, all charges are merely allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
