News Summary
An undercover operation by the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force and Solon police has resulted in the arrest of thirteen men, as part of efforts to combat human trafficking. Charges include compelling prostitution involving minors for two men, while nine potential victims were identified, including two missing children. This operation follows a broader initiative in Ohio against human trafficking.
Solon, Ohio – On October 16, 2025, a significant undercover human trafficking operation conducted by the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force and Solon police resulted in the arrest of thirteen men, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. This effort aimed to track down individuals seeking to purchase sexual services, highlighting the ongoing battle against human trafficking in the state.
Among the arrests, two men are facing serious charges for allegedly seeking sex from minors. Peter Moller, 66, from Brunswick, and Dwayne Murray, 34, from Kent, are charged with compelling prostitution involving a minor. Both men have been charged with felonies in Cuyahoga County, indicating the severity of the offenses. Additionally, Lafayette Robinson, 33, from Cleveland, was arrested on charges of promoting prostitution.
The operation also led to the arrest of ten other men, who were charged with engaging in prostitution. These individuals are facing charges in Bedford Municipal Court. Their names include:
- Timothy Asberry, 67, from Willoughby
- Ajene Enaharo, 43, from Solon
- Harmanjit Ghuman, 59, from Macedonia
- Donald Ketring, 70, from Madison
- Gul Mashwani, 28, from Cleveland
- Richard Nichols, 61, from Burton
- Andrew Novak, 49, from Cleveland
- Brandon Rice, 48, from Solon
- Timothy Szekely, 56, from Stow
- Brandon Tschantz, 38, from Reminderville
In addition to the arrests, the task force identified nine potential victims of human trafficking as a result of the operation. Impressively, two children who had previously been reported missing were also recovered during this initiative. Furthermore, two foreign nationals were identified and referred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), illustrating the operation’s reach and impact.
This operation is part of a broader initiative to combat human trafficking across Ohio. Just weeks prior, on September 29, 2025, a statewide sting known as Operation Next Door resulted in the arrest of 135 individuals. Subsequent arrests have included eight men in Steubenville and a doctor in Youngstown who was accused of attempting to pay for sex with a minor, further demonstrating ongoing efforts in the region to address this critical issue.
Ohio Attorney General Yost has emphasized the state’s commitment to fighting human trafficking, reminding the public of the legal and moral implications of purchasing sex. This operation serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies are taking a stand against such activities, reinforcing that human trafficking is not tolerated in Ohio.
The issue of human trafficking remains a pressing concern nationwide, affecting countless individuals and communities. Efforts such as these are crucial in raising awareness and taking actionable steps towards dismantling the networks that enable such crimes.
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Additional Resources
- Cleveland 19 News
- WKYC News
- Fox 8 News
- WTRF News
- Spectrum News 1
- Wikipedia: Human Trafficking in the United States
- Google Search: Human trafficking statistics Ohio
- Google Scholar: Human trafficking initiatives Ohio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Human Trafficking
- Google News: Ohio human trafficking stings
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