COLUMBUS, Ohio – A criminal defense attorney specializing in solicitation cases was recently apprehended in Ohio for attempting to hire a prostitute, announced Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost last week. The attorney, Kenneth Martin, was one of two men caught in a sting operation conducted by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force. Both individuals were allegedly attempting to purchase sex services.
According to reports, Martin came across a prostitution ad on a website associated with human trafficking. He agreed to pay $180 to someone he believed was a prostitute and arranged to meet them at a designated location. However, upon arrival, Martin was confronted by law enforcement posing as sex workers.
It is notable that Martin himself lists prostitution and solicitation cases among his areas of expertise on his website, as revealed by the Attorney General’s Office. The incident has once again raised concerns about the demand for human trafficking, with Yost stressing that it is often unexpected individuals who contribute to the problem.
After being confronted by law enforcement, Martin was issued a summons to appear in court. He now faces charges of engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools. The other individual involved in the sting operation, Coty Salman, also responded to a prostitution ad and agreed to pay $140 for sexual services.
Yost, who has made combating human trafficking a top priority since taking office in 2019, has spearheaded initiatives to arrest traffickers and those who patronize their services. He recognizes that human trafficking is a lucrative industry that preys upon the vulnerable, stealing lives and exploiting individuals through force, manipulation, or coercion.
The case involving the criminal defense attorney serves as a reminder that individuals from all walks of life can be involved in the demand for human trafficking. With ongoing efforts to raise awareness and crackdown on this issue, Ohio is actively working towards combating this multimillion-dollar industry that thrives around the world.
In conclusion, the arrest of a prominent criminal defense attorney in Ohio for attempting to hire a prostitute highlights the presence of human trafficking within the state. It serves as a reminder that the fight against human trafficking requires attention from all sectors of society. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s commitment to combating this issue demonstrates the state’s dedication to bringing an end to this exploitative practice.