In naming its latest statewide human trafficking operation, the Ohio Attorney General’s Organized Crime Investigations Commission chose “Operation Next Door” as a way to bring home the message that these criminals are not distant strangers.

With the help of more than 100 law enforcement agencies, 135 people were arrested for seeking to buy sex — some of them from minors, according to state Attorney General Dave Yost’s office.

Of those 135, one was from Weirton. Just next door.

In total, 103 were arrested for seeking to buy sex; 32 were arrested on felony charges including prostitution, compelling prostitution, seeking sex with a minor and drug possession and/or trafficking. Sixty-seven human trafficking survivors were referred to health care and social services organizations. Nine search warrants were executed on massage parlors.

“Homeland Security Investigations is proud to stand with the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission in the fight against human trafficking,” said Homeland Security Investigations Detroit Acting Special-Agent-in-Charge Matt Stentz. “These operations demonstrate the power of collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies to dismantle trafficking networks, rescue victims, and hold perpetrators accountable.”

Indeed, the law enforcement and other organizations who made Operation Next Door happen ARE working to keep us safer. But 135 is just a drop in the bucket, and they know it.

Don’t turn a blind eye. If something doesn’t seem right, use the non-emergency hotline 844-363-6448 to report it. If you are witnessing a true emergency, call 911. Stay alert, don’t stay silent.