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 the people committing these crimes are not distant strangers. They may, indeed, live right next door.

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, five were arrested by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force. They included:

• Michael Ford, 55, of Cleveland Heights, arrested for engaging in prostitution. Ford identified himself as a schoolteacher.

• Jackson Wortman, 28, of Ravenna, arrested for attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, importuning, possession of criminal tools, disseminating matter harmful to a juvenile, and attempting to corrupt another with drugs. Wortman identified himself as a Walmart employee.

• Scotty Skiba, 38, of Salem, arrested for receipt and distribution of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The federal charge will be brought in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

• Jose Raymond Clemens Dimas of Durham, North Carolina, arrested for engaging in prostitution and possession of criminal tools. Dimas is being held on an immigration detainer.

• Robert Zimmerman, 42, of Canfield, arrested for pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor and possession of criminal tools.

“Statewide operations like this one publicly highlight the work often conducted behind the scenes to combat human trafficking,” said Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene. “The ugly fact is that human trafficking occurs in every county and every neighborhood across the state. The Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force will continue its work to ensure that those who seek to exploit others will face the full consequences of the law.”

In addition to the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office, entities participating in the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force included: The Ohio Investigative Unit, East Palestine Police Department, Salem Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, BCI, Youngstown Police Department, Austintown Police Department, Beaver Township Police Department, Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office, HSI, Townhall II, University Hospital Ravenna.

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 in Toledo, the Cleveland area and the Akron area.

“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. Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights, and HSI remains committed to leveraging our expertise and resources to protect the vulnerable, support survivors, and ensure that justice is served. Together, we are making Ohio a safer place for all.”

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. While we applaud their effort, we must keep in mind Yost’s warning: “Human trafficking occurs in plain sight and, unfortunately, may even be fueled by your co-workers or neighbors.”

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