Human Trafficking Task Force arrest three men in Salem
Three men face charges after undercover agents say they drove to Salem in hopes of buying sex acts.
According to court records, John Plavka, 50, of West Township, Columbiana County; Jeffery Hoffman, 47, of Buffalo, New York; and Kelly Russell, 46, of Youngstown, each face charges of engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools.
Undercover officers working with the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force say that between April 16 and April 26, the men used their mobile phones to arrange sex acts in exchange for amounts ranging from $60 to $140.
According to an affidavit, Palva offered the agent methamphetamine in addition to the cash.
Investigators say the three men drove to Salem only to discover they had been dealing with an undercover agent.
Arraignments have been scheduled in Columbiana County Municipal Court over the next few days.