COLUMBUS—State Senator Michael Rulli (R-Salem) is applauding Attorney General Dave Yost and the Liberty Township Police, who todayannounced that an undercover operation targeting human trafficking predators has led to the arrests of eight men, including one suspect who was charged with felony drug possession.

The suspects were taken into custody yesterday as part of an investigation by the Liberty Township Police Department and Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force, which is part of Attorney General Yost’s Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OCIC).

"The Ohio Senate has made it a top priority to work with law enforcement officials, victims rights groups and the Attorney General to do everything we can to stop the horrendous act of human trafficking in our state," said Rulli. "While it is horrible to imagine these types of people are living in our community, it is great to see action steps being taken to hold them accountable."

Earlier this month, Rulli joined his Senate colleagues in unanimously passing priority legislation that would increase penalties for repeat offenders found guilty of promoting prostitution, or if an individual is convicted of drug trafficking in addition to promoting prostitution.

"As a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 5, I hope to see us continue to crack down on human trafficking across Ohio," added Rulli.

The Department of Homeland Security, as well as federal and local law enforcement agencies have been key components in the development of Senate Bill 5 and a driving force behind increasing penalties of these heinous crimes.

This legislation compliments a series of bills passed over the last several years aimed at combatting human trafficking, through better enforcement, increased penalties and efforts to promote greater public awareness.