The Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking task force has had a busy start to 2025.

According to a press release, the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force has already arrested over a dozen men allegedly seeking to buy sex in the Valley in the early weeks of 2025.

These men range in age from 29 to 57 and include a former police officer, a part time firefighter, a former nurse and a current federal employee.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost warns that attempting to buy sex in Ohio could land you a date with the Task Force instead. 

Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene adds that the task force has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.

"Every arrest is a win in the fight against human trafficking, but we're far from finished. Our task force isn't slowing down. The Mahoning Valley is off limits to human trafficking," Greene said.

In addition, the task force has also been conducting long-term investigations of individuals suspected of promoting prostitution and engaging in human trafficking.

Activity from the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task force has led to multiple arrests, indictments and convictions including:

- The indictment of Robert Rogers of East Palestine on 17 child pornography charges

- The sentencing of Jon Nedler of Lisbon to 23 and a half years in prison on 53 child pornography charges.

- The sentencing of David Thompson on four child pornography charges

- The affirmation of the conviction of Jerry Granberry of Youngstown for attempted sexual conduct with a minor

- Charging William Roldan of Michigan and David Simmons of Ashtabula with promoting prostitution and possessing criminal tools among other charges

- The sentencing of Jonathan Collins in Columbiana County for attempted sexual conduct with a minor. He was sentenced to nine months in prison.

Additionally, the task force made 13 arrests so far in 2025. A complete list is below. All are charged with compelling prostitution unless otherwise noted. 

- Jan. 8: Brian Veith, 48, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

- Jan. 10: Timothy Kondik, 56, of Canal Fulton. Kondik was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia

- Jan. 15: Michael Petty, 43, of Akron

- Jan. 16: Matthew Pyle, 47, of Portersville, Pennsylvania

- Jan. 17: Thomas Fifer, 52, of Atwater; Ben Summers, 32, of Youngstown

- Jan. 19: Diego Galicia, 29, of Johnson City, Tennessee. Galicia was also charged with tampering with evidence, resisting arrest and obstructing official business.

- Jan. 22: Brandon Miles, 34, of Salem. Miles was not charged with possession of criminal tools.

- Jan. 24: Raymond Gay, 36, of Cortland

- Jan. 31: Thomas Panek, 57, of Atwater

- Feb. 6: Christian Feezle, 30, of Linesville, Pennsylvania

- Feb. 7: Howard Hill, 56, of Akron and Virginia; Joshua Dobbs, 44, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dobbs was also charged with having an open container of alcohol in his vehicle.