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.

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