Three area men were among 122 people arrested during a massive statewide crackdown on human trafficking and prostitution operations across Ohio.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced the results of “Operation Spring Cleaning,” a coordinated sting operation targeting people seeking to buy sex, including alleged attempts involving minors.
Among those arrested were:
- Brandon Nelson, 22, of Greenup, Kentucky
- Pete Gillespie, 49, of Huntington, West Virginia
- Richard Patrick, 39, of Huntington, West Virginia
🚨 LOCAL AGENCIES PLAYED MAJOR ROLE
Southern Ohio agencies played a significant part in the operation.
Participating local departments included:
- Southern Ohio Organized and Major Crimes Task Force
- Scioto County Sheriff’s Office
- Portsmouth Police Department
- New Boston Police Department
- Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office
- Pike County Sheriff’s Office
- Pike County Prosecutor’s Office
⚖️ WHAT OPERATION SPRING CLEANING FOUND
The statewide operation ran May 13–20 across 15 Ohio counties and resulted in:
- 122 arrests overall
- 84 arrests involving people allegedly seeking to buy sex
- 38 felony arrests tied to trafficking, prostitution promotion, drugs, and related crimes
- 42 trafficking survivors referred to healthcare and support organizations
- 15 search warrants executed at suspected trafficking-linked massage parlors
Authorities also seized more than $120,000 cash during the operation.
👀 WHY THESE STINGS MATTER
Officials say operations like this are designed not only to arrest traffickers and buyers, but also to identify and help victims trapped in exploitation.
Attorney General Yost said the state has now made more than 1,000 arrests through similar operations since 2019.
⚠️ HUMAN TRAFFICKING ISN’T JUST A BIG-CITY PROBLEM
Law enforcement officials repeatedly stress that trafficking investigations now reach:
- Rural communities
- Small towns
- Truck stops
- Hotels
- Massage parlors
- Online platforms and apps
Officials say the internet and smartphone apps have dramatically changed how prostitution and trafficking operations work.
❤️ SURVIVORS ALSO RECEIVED HELP
One major focus of the operation involved connecting trafficking victims with:
- Counseling
- Shelter
- Addiction treatment
- Medical care
- Legal assistance
Because investigators say many people involved in trafficking situations are victims themselves—not just suspects.