Report: Hundreds forced into labor, sex in Ohio

COLUMBUS (AP) — A task force investigating human trafficking in Ohio says nearly 800 immigrants are forced into the sex trade or sweatshop-type jobs annually.

The report by the Trafficking in Persons Study Commission released today also finds that more than 1,000 children born in Ohio are forced into the sex trade each year.

The commission also estimates that hundreds more immigrants and Ohio children are at-risk of being forced into sex trafficking or to work against their will in fields, restaurants, sweatshops or construction sites.

The report says Ohio’s human trafficking laws are weak and that police and other agencies often don’t recognize human trafficking when responding to reports of illegal activity.