• Meet Our Team
  • Advertise on SCDN
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Contact Us
Thursday, October 23
Scioto County Daily News
  • Login
  • Register
Subscribe For $1/week
  • Public Safety
    Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

    Busted! 10/22/25 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

    Loaded and Forgotten: Gun Left Behind in Wendy’s Bathroom Sparks Safety Scare 

    Family Dispute at School Leads to CPS Investigation – Did Dad go Too Far? 

    Apartment Break In PMHA

    Residents Sound Alarm Over Safety at PMHA Apartments: “I’ve Had Four Break-In Attempts” 

    Darnell Lisath

    Repeat OVI Offender Busted Again After 2 A.M. Traffic Stop 

    Paul Abram

    Domestic Drama on Scioto Trail Ends With Arrest — But Not for What You’d Think

    Jacob Thompson

    Protection Order Ignored: Deputies Arrest Lucasville Man After Tense Standoff 

    man running from police

    A.M. Chase Through Portsmouth Ends With Fugitive’s Arrest 

    Sheriff night 1

    McDermott Mom Calls 911, Son Arrested on Probation Warrant 

    Elder Safety

    First Responders Sound the Alarm: Patient Found Living in “Deplorable” Conditions 

    ppd 125

    Concern at Notre Dame Elementary After Man Talks to Students Through Fence 

    home invasion 1

    Teen Home Alone Calls for Help as Deputies Stop Break-In 

    Homeless Woman Accused of Snatching Dog From 6th Street Yard 

    Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

    Busted! 10/21/25 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

    arrested man arrest

    Late-Night Break-In at South Webster Dollar General Leads to Arrest 

    police investigation

    Midnight Squatters, Condemned Homes, and a Community Fed Up: The Weekend Rundown on Abandoned Property Woes 

    Body Discovered on Kent Street — Coroner Called to Investigate 

    Troubled Bad Youth Kids

    Middle School Girl Reports Classmate for Harassment After “Rage Bullying” 

    SCDN File Photo

    Quick Thinking at SOMC Urgent Care Prevents Possible Danger on the Road 

    After 30 Child Welfare Checks, Deputies See the Real Problem

  • Lawrence County
  • Politics

    Democrats Blast Bryan Davis: “Quit Collecting a Paycheck You’re Not Earning” 

    Robert Horton

    Update in Robert Horton Corruption Case 

    Davis Commish

    No Updates, Just an Empty Seat: Powell and Smith Say Davis Drama is Out of Their Hands

    weird strange absurd

    Parking, Murals, and an Indicted Commissioner: Sparks Fly at Portsmouth City Manager’s Conference 

    Bryan Davis Due Back In Court October 21 

    Sean Dunne Next Mayor of Portsmouth?

    Dunne: “It’s Time for Portsmouth to Speak Up” on Davis Resignation 

    confused woman

    Portsmouth Council Weighs Asking Davis to Resign 

    Turning Point USA

    Student Democrats Deny Role in Petition to Ban Turning Point USA at SSU 

    Turning Point USA

    Portsmouth Politics Escalate: SSU Students Petition to Ban Turning Point USA

    Recorder Gary Jenkins

    Scioto County Recorder’s Office Increases Fees 

    Scottie Powell

    Commissioner Powell Responds to Conflict of Interest Questions 

    FOP Endorses Malone, Neff in Portsmouth City Election 

    Bryan Davis

    Where’s Bryan Davis? GOP Says Step Down — Court Says Suspended

    SCDN File Photo

    Where’s Bryan Davis? After Two Missed Meetings, GOP Says It’s Time to Step Down 

    This bench is a different bench located near Jim Dandy's

    Exclusive: The Bench Is Back — But the Political Drama Isn’t Over 

    crisis question

    Where’s Bryan Davis? Commissioners, Citizens Ask the Same Question 

    Scioto County Commissioner Bryan Davis

    Bryan Davis Arraignment Set, New Judge Assigned 

    Bryan Davis

    Why Commissioner Davis Staying in Office Raises Big Problems 

    Scottie Powell

    Powell Calls on Commissioner Davis to Resign 

    Scioto County Bryan Davis Scandal

    🗓 Timeline of a Scandal: How Scioto County’s Economic Development Crisis Unfolded 

  • Feel Good

    Honoring Scioto County’s First Town — and Its First People: New Heritage Trail Sign Dedicated at Earl Thomas Conley Park 

    A man approaching the bowling lane with a red bowling ball as his three friends in the background cheer him on.

    How Bowling Can Improve Your Mental Health

    A sleek blue sedan parked on concrete. Behind the vehicle is a view of the sky with a setting sun over a body of water.

    How To Make Your Daily Driver Feel Like a Sports Car

    A person's hand is holding a miniature wooden house with a green roof and a budding plant on top against a green background.

    How To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at Home

    A man sitting in a vehicle is handing over an ID card to a female police officer standing by his window.

    Tips for Staying Calm During Police Encounters

    Cyn Mackley

    Cyn Mackley Channels Haunted Appalachia

    A group of friends stand around a table, smiling, laughing, and drinking. There are plates of food on the table.

    Creative Ways To Host Outdoor Events This Summer

    A family of two parents and a young boy and girl are playing laser tag with vests and laser blasters in an arena.

    What Activities To Offer at a Family Fun Center

    Shawnee State University SSU

    Shawnee State University Joins New Athletic Conference, Adds Football to Lineup 

    BREAKING: Commissioners Make Shocking Decision—Halloween to Remain on Halloween 

    Escape to the Hills: A Summer Reading List Set in Appalachia 

    Scioto County Champs: Lady Trojans and Word Wizards Bring Home the Gold 

    “I Held Those Keys Tight” — One Man’s Harrowing Journey from Addiction to Hope 

    Three girls in quinceañera dresses stand beside one another. The one in middle has a gold dress while the other two wear pink.

    Tips for Selecting the Color of a Quinceañera Dress

    The Day the Streak Ended: Lakers’ 1987 Record Broken

    An angler standing at the edge of a lake just after sunset with three fishing rods resting on the ground next to him.

    Night Fishing: Who Is It for and How Do You Start?

    good cops

    Cops Rescue Lost Man 

    good cops

    Kid Misses Bus, Deputy to the Rescue 

    A group of people stands outside with their arms in the air. They hold their hands together, making a pyramid shape.

    Hidden Gems: Community Strategies for Mental Wellness

    good cops

    Man Says He’s Trapped in Armory 

  • Obituaries

       Marvin Roger ‘Sonny’ Davis, 89, of Portsmouth

    Terrie Sue Lewis

    Terrie Sue Lewis, 73 of South Shore

    Denise Yvette Elizabeth (Potter) Bell

    Denise Yvette Elizabeth Bell, 79 of Portsmouth

    Gladys Belcher Fritz

    Gladys Belcher Fritz, 77 of Wheelersburg

    Rikki Aaliyah Guilkey

    Rikki Aaliyah Guilkey, 29

    James Albert Elliott

    James Albert Elliott, 84 of Portsmouth

    Melissa Ellen (Manning) Dillon

     Melissa Ellen Manning Dillon, 87 of Portsmouth

    James S Bibbey

    James S. Bibbey 89 of Portsmouth

    minnie Sue Sines

    Minnie Sue Sines, 69 of West Portsmouth

    Charles M. Kelly

    Charles M. Kelly, 84, of Waverly

    Alicia Renee Harris

    Alicia Renee Harris, 44 of Waverly

    Alicia Renee Harris

    Alicia Renee Harris, 44, of Waverly

    Rosalie Meadows

    Rosalie Meadows, 61 of New Boston

    Richard Henderson

    Richard N. Henderson II, 82, of Waverly

    Robert Fraley

    Robert Luther Fraley, 89 of New Boston

    Jerod Von Hagen

    Jerod Von Hagen, 85 of Portsmouth

    Sally Joyce Reid, 90 of Tallahassee

    Walter Clark

    Walter Clark, 91, of Waverly

    Thelma Terry

    Thelma Isabelle Branham Terry, 91, of South Shore

    Ashley Nicole Lavey

    Ashley Nicole Lavey, 30 of Portsmouth

  • More News
    • All News
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Education
    • Economy
    • Food & Drinks
    • Local Business
    • National
    • Opinion
    • Regional
    • Strange But True
    • Trending
No Result
View All Result
Scioto County Daily News
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Register
Scioto County Daily News
No Result
View All Result

135 Arrested in Statewide Human Trafficking Crackdown — Southern Ohio at the Center 

Cyn Mackley by Cyn Mackley
3 weeks ago
in Public Safety
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost
ShareTweetEmail

A massive statewide human trafficking sting led by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office has resulted in 135 arrests, including one man from Ironton who attempted to buy sex from a minor. The operation, called “Operation Next Door,” highlights that human trafficking is not just an urban problem — it is happening in small towns and rural communities across Southern Ohio. 

Attorney General Dave Yost said the operation was designed to remind the public that trafficking doesn’t just exist “in the shadows.” 

“Too often, we are lulled into the false narrative that these crimes happen only in the shadows. This is simply not true – human trafficking occurs in plain sight and, unfortunately, may even be fueled by your co-workers or neighbors,” Yost said. 

RELATED POSTS

Busted! 10/22/25 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

Loaded and Forgotten: Gun Left Behind in Wendy’s Bathroom Sparks Safety Scare 

Family Dispute at School Leads to CPS Investigation – Did Dad go Too Far? 

Southern Ohio Involvement 

Locally, the Southern Ohio Organized and Major Crimes Task Force participated in the operation, bringing together the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, Portsmouth Police Department, Pike County Sheriff’s Office, Pike County Prosecutor’s Office, New Boston Police Department, and the Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office. 

Among the arrests: 

  • Brent McLain, 60, of Ironton, was charged with importuning after attempting to buy sex from a minor. 

Local Leaders Respond 

Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman said his office’s participation was about protecting the most vulnerable in the community: 

Please Support This Local Business

“I am pleased to be part of and support Ohio’s statewide human trafficking operation, Operation Next Door. Human trafficking is a grave injustice that affects people even in our rural communities. No one should think they can exploit the vulnerable without consequence. I commend the dedication of the deputies, investigators, and partner agencies who worked tirelessly to bring this operation to fruition. Our priorities are protecting victims, prosecuting offenders, and ensuring this behavior is never tolerated in Ohio and Scioto County.” 

Portsmouth Police Chief Debby Brewer echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the commitment of her officers: 

“The men and women of the Portsmouth Police Department will do whatever it takes to end sex trafficking, and the help that we received from our local OOCIC task force makes that possible.” 

Bigger Picture in Southern Ohio 

The arrests come as Scioto County remains under scrutiny for its long history of trafficking allegations. Scioto County Daily News (SCDN) has extensively reported on the human trafficking probe tied to disgraced attorney and city councilman Mike Mearan, who was indicted in 2020 before his death the following year. Investigative records revealed dozens of alleged victims and possible co-conspirators who have never faced charges. 

For SCDN publisher Mark Craycraft, the arrests in Operation Next Door underscore the need for continued accountability. The case against Mearan — and the revelations that followed — made clear that trafficking networks can flourish when powerful figures are not held to account. 

Operation Next Door by the Numbers 

  • 135 arrests statewide, including 32 on felony charges. 
  • 103 “johns” arrested for attempting to purchase sex. 
  • 67 survivors identified and referred for services. 
  • Nine search warrants executed, including raids on massage parlors in northern Ohio. 
  • Over $62,000 seized for long-term investigations. 

A Continuing Fight 

Southern Ohio’s deep struggles with addiction and poverty have long made it a target for traffickers. While statewide stings like Operation Next Door send a strong message, local leaders and watchdogs say the true test will be whether investigations go beyond street-level arrests and reach those in positions of power. 

As Sheriff Thoroughman made clear, Scioto County intends to remain on the front lines of that fight. 

Tags: ArrestsAttorney GeneralDave YostDavid ThoroughmanFeaturedHuman TraffickingIrontonMark CraycraftNew BostonNewsletterOhioPike CountyPolicePolice Chief Debby BrewerPortsmouthScioto CountyScioto County Sheriff David ThoroughmanSheriffSouthern Ohio
Please Support This Local Business

TRENDING NOW

Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

Busted! 10/17/25 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

October 17, 2025

Body Discovered on Kent Street — Coroner Called to Investigate 

October 20, 2025
Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

Busted! 10/20/25 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

October 20, 2025
SCDN File Photo

Quick Thinking at SOMC Urgent Care Prevents Possible Danger on the Road 

October 20, 2025
Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

Busted! 10/21/25 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

October 21, 2025

ABOUT US

We are a grassroots team of local journalists on a mission to give our community up-to-the-second news and events for Southern Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Western West Virginia. We believe progress inspires change and we believe our reporting has become the front-lines of Portsmouth, Ohio's comeback.

CATEGORIES

  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Casino
  • Economy
  • Education
  • Feel Good
  • Food & Drink
  • Local Business
  • National
  • Obituaries
  • Ohio
  • Opinion
  • Politics
  • Public Safety
  • Regional
  • Strange But True
  • Video

AREAS SERVED

  • Portsmouth
  • Wheelersburg
  • Minford
  • Waverly
  • Friendship
  • Ironton
  • West Union
  • Piketon
  • Coal Grove
  • South Point
  • Vanceburg
  • Grayson
  • South Shore
  • Greenup
  • Raceland
  • Ashland

SITE SEARCH

No Result
View All Result
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

© 2025 Scioto County Daily News. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Sign Up
  • Home
  • Trending
  • Public Safety
  • Lawrence County
  • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Feel Good
  • All News
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • FAQ
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise on SCDN
  • Legal
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Service

© 2025 Scioto County Daily News. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Sign Up
  • Home
  • Trending
  • Public Safety
  • Lawrence County
  • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Feel Good
  • All News
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • FAQ
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise on SCDN
  • Legal
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Service

© 2025 Scioto County Daily News. All Rights Reserved.