Ohio officials call for funding to combat human trafficking

TOLEDO (AP) — U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown is joining with officials in the Toledo area who asking for funding to combat human trafficking to northwestern Ohio.

Brown and law enforcement officials spoke out on Monday, saying they want the U.S. Justice Department to provide funding aimed at human trafficking in the Toledo area.

He says authorities need help in tracking down homeless young people and runaways because they are easy targets and could wind up being trafficking victims.

A new law backed by the Ohio senator allows for grants for battling human trafficking and helping those who get out of it.