Ohio proposes wiping out criminal records of trafficking victims

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.