Cutrona Cosponsors Legislation Increasing Penalties Against Human Trafficking

COLUMBUS, OH — State Rep. Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) cosponsored the Human Trafficking Prevention Act that will increase criminal penalties for human trafficking, kidnapping, and abduction.

“The fact that Ohio has the fourth-highest number of reported cases of human trafficking in the nation, is frightening and unacceptable,” said Cutrona.  “When you factor in that over 97% of those cases involve sex trafficking, our penalties aren’t strong enough.  We must do everything we can to ensure justice for all victims of trafficking.”

The Human Trafficking Prevention Act will also expand penalties that currently apply in circumstances where the victims are 13 years of age or younger to anyone under the age of 18. 

If the victim is an adult, the legislation will increase the penalties to a minimum term of fifteen years and a maximum term of life imprisonment. If the victim is a minor, the prison term would be increased to a minimum term of twenty-five years and a maximum term of life imprisonment. 

The legislation is awaiting assignment to a House committee.