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For months, 21 News has been following the investigation into alleged human trafficking being run out of a business inside a building owned by Trumbull County Commissioner Rick Hernandez.
Now, we've learned that a search warrant was served last week on Hernandez by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force, seeking information from his cell phone.
That is the same task force behind the investigation into the 3C foot Spa in Hubbard.
21 News got surveillance video showing Jeff Allen with the Mahoning Valley Task force waiting for commissioner Rick Hernandez to arrive at the Trumbull County Administration Building.
Hernandez later confirmed that it was to serve a search warrant on him for his cell phone, and that it's part of an investigation with the task force.
Hernandez said he has no comment on the warrant. But up to this point, he's been a vocal supporter of the business and denies any wrongdoing.
Previously, the foot spa was raided by the task force over allegations of prostitution run in the building Hernandez owns. We don't know if Hernandez is a target of that investigation.
Hernandez has previously denied knowing of any evidence of human trafficking in the building.
“There’s nothing there, and there was never anything there,” said Hernandez during an interview on 21 News at 5. "They mention my name only. Why? It's probably because I’m running for county commissioner, which has no bearing, and that building will be back in business."
Hernandez also promised if he knew of any illegal activity, he would take action.
“If I had any reason to believe there was any wrongdoing or any illegal activity going on at that location, I would evict those tenants immediately,” said Hernandez.
However, police body camera video proves Hernandez had been told of the evidence prior to making those statements.
In the video, you see a police officer telling Hernandez that prostitution is happening out of the building.
Hernandez then responds with “It is?”
The officer then explained how you don’t get a search warrant without probable cause, and that undercover cops were being solicited.
The officer then said “The best person to stop it in the City of Hubbard is you.”
While the Mahoning Human Trafficking task force is involved in both the warrant and investigation into the Hubbard foot spa, it is unclear if there is a connection.
Commissioner Tony Bernard said he did not know about the investigation, and declined to comment.
Commissioner Denny Malloy said if there is wrongdoing, there should be a police investigation. But, he doesn't believe, from what he's seen, that he's anything more than a landlord. He also said he knows there are political enemies involved and doesn't want to be part of a political battle. Instead, he is concentrating on his job of helping the county.
Former Trumbull County Commissioner Nikki Frenchko, who first made concerns over the spa public, sent 21 News a statement:
“I worked tirelessly to combat human trafficking in Hubbard and Warren by helping bring in the task force and sharing every piece of evidence I had. The community trusted me to act—and that trust made it possible. It’s troubling that a sitting commissioner knew and did nothing. Elected or not, I’ll keep fighting for justice and the safety of our communities.
I warned the public about Hernandez. What’s come to light is shameful—and it’s time he steps down. Our community deserves accountability and trustworthy leaders.”
21 News spoke to Hernandez' attorney, Mark Finamore, who said he has not yet discussed with Hernandez whether to say anything publicly about the warrant. Allen did not return a call for comment.
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