spot_imgspot_img

Ohio proposes wiping out criminal records of trafficking victims

(The Center Square) – Drug crimes and some other nonviolent felonies could be erased from the records of human trafficking victims in Ohio.

A new bill in the House of Representatives would expunge certain nonviolent crimes for trafficking victims, and sponsors say it can bring hope.

“Victims of human trafficking are counting on the legislature,” said Rep. Tracy Richardson, R-Marysville. “I believe in the promise of new life and new beginnings for those trapped in the despair of trafficking. This legislation brings hope.”

Currently, human trafficking victims can have their records expunged for convictions of soliciting, loitering and prostitution.

The Expanding Human Trafficking Justice Act would expand eligible offenses for expungement to include misdemeanors and fifth- and fourth-degree felonies.

A person must prove with clear and convincing evidence that their participation in the offense was a result of having been a victim of human trafficking.

Attorney General Dave Yost put his support behind the bill.

“Being a victim shouldn’t come with lifelong consequences,” Yost said. “We need to remove the obstacles that restrict survivors’ ability to get a job and secure housing so they can create the fresh start they deserve.”

In September, Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigation Commission spearheaded Operation Buyers Remorse, a statewide crackdown on those trying to buy sex and identify survivors of human trafficking.

The operation led to 160 arrests and used coordinated stings conducted by the commission’s eight human trafficking and major crimes task forces with the help of local law enforcement agencies.

Also, search warrants were conducted at 11 massage parlors suspected of human trafficking activities as part of ongoing, long-term investigations.

Over the week, 149 “johns” seeking to buy sex were arrested and charged with engaging in prostitution. Additional arrests included two individuals charged with seeking to have sex with minors and six for promoting prostitution. Others arrested face charges of illegally possessing narcotics and firearms, or because there were outstanding warrants against them.

Those arrested included an EMT, nurses, educators, retirees, former law enforcement officers, self-employed people, delivery drivers and others. The was 17 and the oldest 84.

Law enforcement officers interviewed 104 survivors of human trafficking, who were provided services from health care and social service organizations.

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_imgspot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

RNC sues Georgia counties over election integrity claims

(The Center Square) – The Republican National Committee sued...

Firm tied to voter registration ‘scheme’ goes dark

(The Center Square) – The media and consulting firm...

Saturday in the South for Harris, Trump

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump...

Washington state’s race-based home loan program faces federal lawsuit

(The Center Square) – Four months after the launch...

Illinois voters sounding off on three nonbinding questions

(The Center Square) – One of the three statewide...

Political realignment in 2024 has changed American politics

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump...

Major Wisconsin education spending proposed against backdrop of $4.6B surplus

(The Center Square) – Wisconsin State Superintendent Jill Underly...

More like this
Related

RNC sues Georgia counties over election integrity claims

(The Center Square) – The Republican National Committee sued...

Firm tied to voter registration ‘scheme’ goes dark

(The Center Square) – The media and consulting firm...

Saturday in the South for Harris, Trump

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump...

Washington state’s race-based home loan program faces federal lawsuit

(The Center Square) – Four months after the launch...