Local Agencies Make Dozens Of Arrests In Multistate Human Trafficking Sting

Arrests were made in southeastern Indiana, northern Kentucky, and southwest Ohio.

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(Frankfort, Ky.) – Over 100 people have been arrested in a multistate human trafficking sting. 

The 12-state human trafficking operation, led by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and Missouri Highway Patrol, is believed to be the first multistate operation of its kind.

On Wednesday, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced that 29 agencies statewide conducted four trafficking operations simultaneously in Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, McCracken County and Northern Kentucky on August 26. 

The operations rescued 21 victims, including two minors, and yielded 46 arrests.

“Operation United Front is a great example of creating a better and safer Kentucky, one that is free of this hideous crime,” Gov. Beshear said. “Thank you to all the law enforcement agencies and organizations involved for rescuing these victims and holding these heinous offenders accountable. Unfortunately, this crime is occurring in every county, in every community across the commonwealth, but we will keep fighting to make life better and safer for all Kentuckians, especially our children.”

Overall, officials in participating states rescued a total of 59 victims, providing needed medical services to 41, and arrested 102 suspects across the country in connection with human trafficking.

Local agencies participating in the operation included: Boone County Sheriff’s Office, CVG International Airport Police Department, Florence Police Department, Kenton County Police Department, and Lawrenceburg Police Department.

A list of arrests from the tri-state area can be seen below.