Richardson Announces New Human Trafficking Hotline

COLUMBUS – State Representative Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville) announces Ohio’s first statewide human trafficking hotline is now operational.

The non-emergency hotline number – 844-END-OHHT (844-363-6448) – funnels incoming tips about suspected sex and labor trafficking directly to law enforcement, connecting the caller with people experienced in investigating such allegations.  

“As an advocate for the end of human trafficking in Ohio, I’m happy to announce this hotline that can help save victim’s lives and catch these criminals in the act,” said Richardson. “This around the clock resource to help law enforcement means giving victims the opportunity to break free from their captures. I encourage Ohioans to call. If you see something, say something.”

The hotline is operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), whose criminal intelligence analysts assess the information and refer intelligence to local law enforcement agencies, human trafficking task forces organized under the attorney general’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission or BCI’s Special Victims Unit.

Richardson helped codify January 11th as Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Ohio each year with the passing of legislation in the 134th General Assembly and is the sponsor of the Expanding Human Trafficking Justice Act to help victims of human trafficking expunge non-violent crimes from their criminal record.