YOUNGSTOWN — Ronald D. Hellman Jr., 52, of Youngstown, pleaded guilty today to nine charges — human trafficking, promoting prostitution and sexual battery — and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Hellman was one of five people indicted on a total of 104 charges in 2018 as part of a human trafficking investigation undertaken by the Ohio Attorney General’s office in Mahoning County Sheriff’s office.

Prosecutors said Hellmann’s nine convictions relate to eight victims, two of whom spoke to Judge Anthony Donofrio before the judge approved the agreed-upon sentence worked out by prosecutors and Hellman’s attorney.