April 3rd, 2024-CUYAHOGA, Ohio-In a joint effort between U.S. Marshals and the Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, 45 missing children were recovered and 179 suspects were arrested in a human trafficking operation called “Autumn Hope.” The operation involved over 50 agencies and led to the rescue of 109 trafficking victims. Among the recovered children, 76 missing and exploited children cases were cleared, including 45 by physical recovery by the U.S. Marshal’s Service. The victims were referred to social services, and arrests were made, including a man holding two children in West Virginia.
Additionally, 20 children were located during well-being checks. Operation Autumn Hope focused on rescuing victims of human trafficking, recovering missing and exploited children, apprehending individuals seeking sex with minors, and arresting male buyers of sex. This successful operation follows recent human trafficking busts across the country, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat this issue.
