Powell is a city of about 14,300 residents in Delaware County, Ohio, located 14 miles north of the state capital of Columbus. Prostitution and sex trafficking have been documented in the city and surrounding county, resulting in complaints to law enforcement. There has also been child sexual exploitation and an incident involving a local man possessing child sexual abuse materials (i.e., child pornography) and attempting to meet a minor to sexually abuse in-person. The Powell Police Department participates in the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force to combat these issues.

In efforts to reduce instances of prostitution and sex trafficking, the Powell Police Department has participated in web-based reverse sting operations targeting individuals seeking to purchase commercial sex. For example, in September 2019, the Powell 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 Powell 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 Powell Police Department, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office, and a collaboration of at least 25 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 Powell Chief of Police said of the operation:

“The Powell Police Department supports the work of the human trafficking task force and appreciates the efforts of our dedicated law enforcement partners across the state. Our goal is to put an end to human trafficking and help victims recover and rebuild their lives.”