Hilliard is a city of under 40,000 residents in Franklin County, Ohio. It is a suburb of Columbus and part of Norwich Township. Prostitution and sex trafficking have been documented in the city, resulting in complaints to law enforcement. For example, two local massage parlors were shut down in 2019 after an investigation into prostitution and sex trafficking occurring at the businesses.

In efforts to reduce instances of prostitution and sex trafficking, the Hilliard Police Department has participated in web-based reverse sting operations targeting individuals seeking to purchase commercial sex. For example, in September 2019, the Hilliard Police Department, along with over 30 other local law enforcement agencies, took part in a multi-organization team to combat human trafficking in central Ohio. The web-based reverse sting operation, “Fourth and Goal,” led by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Columbus Division of Police, and Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, resulted in the arrest of 104 individuals on prostitution-related charges, including 40 soliciting prostitution charges, 53 felony charges, and 24 charges for importuning and attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. One individual faced additional charges of attempted rape and another faced an additional charge of disseminating matter harmful for juveniles. All charges concerning minors were felonies. Two Hilliard men were among those charged with solicitation. Additionally, 43 women were provided with social services and referred to CATCH Court. Agencies and social service organizations involved in the operation included the following: the Hilliard Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin County ICAC Task Force, Franklin County HOPE Task Force, Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office, Franklin County CATCH Court, and a collaboration of at least 20 additional police departments, sheriff’s offices, prosecutor’s offices, and task forces. Many of those arrested, according to reports, also faced additional charges for attempting to solicit a minor. The names of all offenders were released to the public, and local news outlets showed mugshots for those charged for importuning a minor. The Hilliard Chief of Police said of the operation:

“We want to drive this illegal activity out of Hilliard, and it’s individuals who solicit prostitution creating the demand. We’re hopeful this operation will not only serve as a deterrent for human trafficking, but as an education tool of the dangers associated with paying for sexual services. This operation has been an example of the successful partnership between the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and other law enforcement agencies in central Ohio.”