News Release

INDIANAPOLIS — Jordin Sparks will perform the national anthem before the 2026 Indianapolis 500, marking her third appearance singing the patriotic standard at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The pre-race ceremony for the 110th running of the race will also coincide with celebrations marking the United States’ 250th anniversary, adding historical significance to this year’s event. Coverage of the pre-race festivities is scheduled to begin Sunday at 10 a.m. EDT across FOX networks and the INDYCAR Radio Network.

IMS and INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles praised Sparks’ previous performances at the speedway and welcomed her return to the annual tradition. Sparks previously sang the anthem before the race in 2015 and 2024.

Sparks first rose to national prominence after winning “American Idol” and later built a successful music career with multiple charting hits and millions of digital sales. She has toured alongside major pop artists, collaborated on award-winning music connected to Ariana Grande and expanded into acting with film and Broadway roles, including appearances alongside Whitney Houston and performances in the stage production of In the Heights.

Outside entertainment, Sparks remains active in philanthropy, media appearances and brand partnerships through her large social media following.

(WJW) — A statewide sex sting coordinated by Attorney General Dave Yost’s office led to the arrests of one current and one former Cleveland firefighter on prostitution charges.

Dozens of law enforcement agencies across Ohio between May 13 and May 20 collaborated on Operation Spring Cleaning, which led to 122 human trafficking arrests in 15 counties, according to a news release from the AG’s office.

Of those, 38 people were arrested on felony charges for allegedly trying to meet with undercover officers posing as minors for sex. Another 84 “johns” were caught dealing with prostitutes, authorities allege.

The investigation also identified 42 human trafficking survivors, who were referred to health care and social services organizations.

Search warrants executed at 15 Ohio massage parlors suspected of offering illegal services — in Akron, Grafton, Willoughby and elsewhere — yielded $120,000 in forfeitures and other evidence.

Cuyahoga, Lake, Mahoning and Trumbull counties

The Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force arrested seven people and executed a search warrant at a local spa.

• The search warrant was at Oriental Spa, 37812 Vine St., Willoughby, where the task force seized $20,000 in cash as part of an ongoing investigation.

• The task force arrested Jason Petrov, 57, of Brooklyn, and Patrick Moner, 63, of Cleveland, each on a count of engaging in prostitution. Petrov is an active Cleveland firefighter and Moner is a retired Cleveland firefighter, according to the AG’s office.

• Dustin Crowder, 41, of Georgia, and Jeffrey Murphy, 53, of Lyndhurst, both believed they were meeting with juveniles for sex, according to the AG’s office. The task force arrested both on charges of compelling prostitution and possessing criminal tools.

• The task force arrested Michael Pavlov, 29, of Newton Falls, on charges of rape and endangering children in a case involving a 6-year-old.

• The task force arrested Jeffrey Villanueva, 56, of Niles, and Jeff Anders, 55, of Boardman, on charges of attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, importuning and possessing criminal tools.

• The task force also secured the indictment of Misti McKinney, 38, of Youngstown, on charges of trafficking in persons, promoting prostitution, soliciting, robbery, retaliation and others. McKinney is accused of coercing victims as young as 17 into prostitution, as reported by FOX 8 sister station 27 First News.

Huron, Erie, Ashland and Lorain counties

The H.E.A.L. Human Trafficking Task Force made one arrest, executed one search warrant at a local spa and identified three human trafficking survivors who were referred to social services. They also seized $18,622 in cash.

• The task force raided King Me Spa, 35111 Royalton Road, Grafton.

• The task force arrested Mesha Michael Savi, 33, of Carlisle Township, on a charge of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor.

Medina and Summit counties

The Summit Regional Human Trafficking Task Force charged three people with sex charges relating to minors and raided a spa.

• The task force executed a search warrant at La Lune Spa, 102 Western Ave., Akron.

• The task force charged Izaeik Groos, 24, of Akron; Jordan Novak, 38, of Euclid; and Tyrell Taylor, 38, of Akron, each with importuning and attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.

84 ‘Johns’ charged

Of the 84 “Johns” caught during the operation allegedly trying to buy sex, nearly 50 were from Northeast Ohio. See the full list of arrests below:

Yost’s office has conducted eight large-scale human trafficking busts since 2019, which have resulted in more than 1,000 arrests, according to the AG’s office.