Two Houston-area men suspected of human trafficking were arrested in central Ohio after authorities tracked them down with four victims, including a juvenile, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
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How the investigation unfolded
FBI’s Houston office and the Texas Department of Public Safety contacted the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force about the juvenile victim on March 13. Investigators believed the victim was in Columbus.
The task force, alongside the Columbus Division of Police’s PACT Unit, quickly launched a search. Later that evening, authorities arrested Timarrea Granderson, 27, of Cypress, Texas, who was found with one of the victims.
SWAT Team involved in second arrest
A few hours later, law enforcement tracked down Larry Hill, 26, of Houston, at a Columbus residence on West Kanawha Avenue. Hill barricaded himself inside before the Columbus Police Division’s SWAT team and the Sharon Township Police Department intervened. Two additional victims were rescued from the home.
A fourth victim was located and safely recovered at a separate location.
What’s next for the suspects?
Granderson and Hill face charges in Texas, including trafficking of a person and compelling prostitution of a minor. Both are currently awaiting extradition.
Support for the victims
All four victims, who are Texas residents, are receiving services from the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force.