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.
Cleveland, OH
TRACKING: Rounds of thunderstorms and downpours
CLEVELAND (WJW) – A weakening cluster of thunderstorms will move across the area late tonight. Some small hail and gusty winds are possible in a few thunderstorms. Most of the rain and thunderstorms will move out by 1-2 a.m.
Temperatures will only drop into the lower 60s Monday night, which is warmer than the average high for this time of year.
This stretch of unsettled weather will continue through Thursday. Clusters and complexes of downpours and storms will fire up a slow-moving front across Midwest this week. These clusters will impact Northeast Ohio at times Monday night through Thursday.
One of the wetter and stormier days this week will be Tuesday. A cluster of downpours and storms will drop south across the area around or just after midday. Depending on the rain and cloud coverage in the morning, a few strong storms will be possible Tuesday afternoon/evening. With a line of storms expected, the main threat will be strong to damaging wind gusts. Here’s Tuesday’s Futurecast:
Tuesday will be another unseasonably warm spring day, with high temperatures once again well above 70 degrees. The clouds and rain may impact Tuesday’s highs.
The unseasonably warm spring weather will continue through the start of the upcoming weekend. The next cool down will not come until the end of the weekend.
Here’s the 8 day forecast:
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Cleveland, OH
Cleveland building catches on fire after driver crashes into it
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A driver crashed into a building early Monday morning, causing it to catch on fire.
This happened at The Midland Hardware Company in the 1500 block of W. 117th Street around 6 a.m.
The business is located next door to the Taco Bell and on the Lakewood border.
When firefighters arrived, the driver was trapped inside the vehicle and needed to be rescued.
The driver’s condition has not been released.
This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
Cleveland, OH
BODY CAM: Cleveland Police officer shoots man during domestic violence call
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The Cleveland Division of Police Force Investigation Team is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred on April 4.
According to Cleveland Police, an officer shot a man while responding to a domestic violence situation around 1:30 a.m. in the 16500 block of Lipton Avenue.
Officers later learned that the involved subject, 33-year-old Charles Motley, Jr., was in a car outside the home.
The caller told officers that the man had a firearm and was threatening “suicide by cop,” which police described as “engaging the officers to force them to shoot him.”
According to the incident report, when officers arrived Motley exited the vehicle and brandished a shotgun.
In the body camera footage, officers gave multiple commands to drop the weapon, Motley instead raised the weapon at the officers.
One officer fired their weapon and struck Motley in the head, according to the incident report.
Officers rendered first aid until Cleveland EMS arrived and took him to University Hospital, where he was reported in stable condition.
According to the release, officers recovered a firearm on the scene.
Police said this is an active investigation and there are no further updates at this time.
According to court records, Motley is currently in jail and is being held on a $50,000 bond.
Motley is expected to be in court on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. for a preliminary hearing.
This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
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