By April Rodgers | FreeWire Your News Your Voice
ASHLAND — Six men were arrested during a one day human trafficking sting in Ashland County on December 5, but one case stands out locally: 43 year old Carlos Osorio of Bucyrus, a convicted and registered sex offender, was among those taken into custody.
The operation was conducted by the H.E.A.L. Human Trafficking Task Force with assistance from the Ashland Police Division and Safe Haven of Ashland. Investigators posed as individuals offering commercial sex and made arrests as each suspect arrived at the designated location.
Osorio’s Prior Convictions
According to official court records from Gwinnett County, Georgia. Osorio was the defendant in State vs. Osorio (Case No. 01-B-02437-3), filed June 20, 2001. He was charged and found guilty of two counts of Child Molestation under Georgia Statute 16-6-4(a), his victim being a juvenile female. His exact date of relocation to Bucyrus is unknown but he is listed as a sex offender in Crawford County.
Arrest Details
Five additional men were also arrested and charged:
- Steven Shilliday, 28, Ashland
- Christopher Johnson, 33, Mansfield
- Scott Stolcals, 41, Nova
- Mark Gamble, 55, Dublin
- James Heffelfinger, 62, Butler
Investigators identified one individual believed to be a potential trafficking victim and connected that person with support services.
About the Task Force
The H.E.A.L. Task Force, a multi agency partnership representing Huron, Erie, Ashland, and Lorain counties, conducts ongoing operations aimed at reducing demand and identifying victims across Northern Ohio.
Sheriff Kurt Schneider highlighted the ongoing efforts to stop human trafficking and protect victims:
“Buying sex is illegal in Ohio, and we will continue to work proactively to eradicate this crime. Victims of human trafficking endure pain and suffering, and we are committed to helping them while bringing offenders to justice.”
Ohio Reports High in Trafficking, Your Tip Can Make a Difference
Ohio is considered one of the top states for human trafficking reports in the U.S., and authorities emphasize that these crimes can happen anywhere. If you see suspicious activity or believe someone may be a victim, you are encouraged to report it immediately:
- Call: (844) END-OHHT
- Text: “ENDOHHT” to 847411
- App: END OHHT (available on Apple & Android)
- Online: ohioattorneygeneral.gov/ENDOHHT
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