Human Trafficking Ringleaders Convicted In Ohio

COLUMBUS — Two men accused of serving as ringleaders for a human trafficking circle in Central Ohio have been convicted. The men would recruit women from jails and off the street and control them using narcotics, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said.

Curtis Gossett and Jeffrey Bagley were both convicted this week of leading the trafficking ring. Yost's office said the men trafficked dozens of women for commercial sex in Columbus.

“Women who are sold in the sex trade often think no one will believe them. These convictions are proof positive that there is justice,” Yost said. “Our work here is not done.”

Investigation into Gossett and Bagley began in 2016 when a woman walked into Columbus Police Headquarters and told an officer at the information desk that she was a heroin addict and had been working as a prostitute for Gossett. That conversation launched a 17-month investigation into Gossett's activities.

“The buyers of commercial sex are often sanctioning and committing rape; the victims of sex trafficking are not willing participants,” said Sergeant Mark Rapp, director of the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force. “The victims are compelled through manipulation to engage in sex acts they may not otherwise participate in.”

Gossett and Bagley were both convicted and sentenced to 13 years and 10 years in prison, respectively. Both men will be required to register as Tier II Sex Offenders. Their charges included engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.

“I am very proud of the efforts of the Human Trafficking Task Force,” said Columbus Police Deputy Chief Tim Becker. “The outcome of this investigation demonstrates the commitment of the Columbus Division of Police to actively support the eradication of trafficking humans in our community and CPD will collaborate with our partners to prosecute offenders to the highest degree.”