Ohio panel begins look at human trafficking

COLUMBUS (AP) — A special task force has begun its investigation of human trafficking in Ohio that steers child and adult victims into prostitution and forced labor.

Wednesday’s first meeting of the Trafficking in Persons Study Commission came almost seven months after Gov. Ted Strickland signed a law to increase sentences for crimes if human trafficking is involved.

Kathleen Davis, of the Washington-based Polaris Project, gave the panel an estimate that up to 17,500 trafficking victims come through Ohio every year.

Attorney General Richard Cordray says his hope is that the panel will not only study the problem but start attacking it immediately. Commission members also include representatives from law enforcement agencies, lawmakers and trafficking survivors.