The Lead Off

• A Toledo man is among five people indicted in a 27-count central Ohio human trafficking and money laundering case, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
• Authorities say the group is accused of exploiting women through drugs and false promises as part of a broader criminal operation.
• Investigators say one of the defendants is currently wanted and remains at large.

TOLEDO, OH. (WOWO) A Toledo man is among five individuals indicted in a central Ohio human trafficking case involving allegations of organized exploitation, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

Officials say Johnnie Jo Nathan Barringer, 42, of Toledo, is facing charges that include engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, promoting prostitution, and money laundering.

The charges are part of a 27-count indictment returned by a grand jury in central Ohio according to WTVG.

Investigators allege organized exploitation scheme

According to investigators, Barringer is accused of participating in a group that allegedly used drugs and false promises to exploit women.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced the indictments and said the case involves coordinated criminal activity across multiple individuals.

Authorities allege the operation involved recruitment and control tactics tied to prostitution and financial crimes.

Group allegedly led by Columbus man

Investigators say the group was allegedly led by Derrick Soto of Columbus, who is also among those indicted in the case.

The indictment includes multiple felony charges tied to human trafficking-related offenses, according to officials.

Law enforcement has not released additional details about the specific roles of each defendant beyond the allegations outlined in court records.

One suspect remains at large

Officials say Barringer is currently on the run and has not been taken into custody.

Authorities did not immediately provide information on whether arrest warrants have been issued for all individuals named in the indictment or whether additional arrests are expected.

The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement continues to pursue leads in the case.

The Takeaway

• A Toledo man is among five people indicted in a 27-count central Ohio human trafficking and money laundering case announced by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
• Investigators allege the group used drugs and false promises to exploit women as part of an organized criminal operation, with one defendant identified as the alleged leader.
• One of the indicted individuals is currently at large, and authorities say the investigation remains active as law enforcement continues pursuing arrests.