Cleveland, OH
Ohio attorney general asks survivors of alleged human trafficker to come forward
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A Cleveland man was just indicted on charges of sex trafficking eight women; however, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said he believes there may be additional survivors and wants them to come forward.
Deondre Inkton, 31, is facing a total of 17 felony charges; including, trafficking in persons, compelling prostitution, promoting prostitution, money laundering and possessing criminal tools.
Yost said Inkton physically and sexually abused women to force them into prostitution and he then received the proceeds of that exploitation for roughly two years.
Inkton allegedly transported his victims across the eastern United States and to Nevada to engage in prostitution.
“This operation covered a vast stretch of territory, leading us to believe that more victims might still be out there,” said Yost. “We are grateful to the survivors who have already spoken to our task force, and we encourage other survivors to share what they know. Your tip could spare someone else the anguish of being trafficked.”
According to Yost, Inkton is tied to more than 4,000 sex advertisements in 12 states, including 2,000 in Ohio.
The Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force handled the investigation and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s office is prosecuting the case.
“We are grateful for the work of the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force and all of our law enforcement partners that worked together,” said Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley said. “It is their work that led to Deondre Inkton’s prosecution. We believe Inkton may have done this to others. If you have any information regarding Inkton or if you are a survivor, please contact the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force.”
Inkton is out on bond and expected back in court on March 20.
A protégé of Inkton’s is also under indictment in a separate human trafficking case. Euclid resident Donte Cole was indicted late last year in federal court for allegedly trafficking an Ohio child for sex in Pennsylvania, said Yost.
Survivors are encouraged to call the task force at 216-443-6085.
Copyright 2024 WOIO. All rights reserved.
Rachelle M. Hale, age 45, passed away on July 3, 2026. She was born on August 1, 1980, in Cleveland, Ohio, to her loving parents, Richard and Cheryl Hobbs.
Beloved wife of John Kevin Hale, Jr. Devoted mother of John Kevin Hale, III, Jacob Hale, Zackary Hale, and Hannah Hale. Cherished grandmother of John Hale, IV, Alivia Hale, Zayden Hale, Avianna Atwood, Aunika Hale, Jonnalynn Hale, Layla Hale, Ja’Von Atwood, Jr., and Jacob Hale, Jr. Dear sister of Kelly Hobbs, Rickie Hobbs, Donald Hobbs, and Shane Hobbs. Treasured aunt to a host of nieces and nephews.
Rachelle found her greatest joy in spending time with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren, who brought endless happiness to her life. She will be remembered for the love she shared, the memories she created, and the unwavering devotion she had for those she held dear. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Slone & Co. Life Celebration Center 3556 W. 130th St. Cleveland, OH 44111. A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., at West Park Cemetery 3942 Ridge Rd, Cleveland, OH 44144 (Please meet at cemetery gates by 11:15 a.m.).
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A man was found dead in the street early Monday, and three others were hospitalized after a shooting on Cleveland’s East Side early Monday morning.
According to a release from Cleveland Police, at around 3:18 a.m., officers in the Fourth District responded to a ShotSpotter alert in the area of East 102nd Street and Sophia Avenue.
While en route to the initial location, two 17-year-old girls approached the officers and told them they had been shot while driving in the area of East 116th Street and Buckeye Road.
When officers arrived at East 102nd Street and Sophia Avenue, they found two more victims with gunshot wounds, a 21-year-old man and a 30-year-old man.
The 30-year-old man, identified as Sharon Darius Walker, was pronounced dead in the roadway on the scene.
The three other victims were taken to the hospital and are stable.
Police said the investigation is still ongoing.
This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
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