Three Washington County residents were arrested and charged during a week-long, statewide human trafficking operation conducted by more than 100 law enforcement agencies.

Corey Noel, 27, of Marietta, was arrested on a charge of falsification and pandering obscenities involving a minor.

Jeremy Friend, 40, of Belpre, was charged with engaging in prostitution and drug trafficking.

Brandon Russell, 40, of Cutler, was charged with engaging in prostitution or solicitation.

Operation Next Door was led by the OOCIC (Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission) to arrest individuals in urban, suburban, and rural communities who were involved in various aspects of human trafficking.

“Operation Next Door was named to highlight the proximity and prevalence of human trafficking,” said Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost in a press release. “Too often, we are lulled into the false narrative that these crimes happen only in the shadows. This is simply not true – human trafficking occurs in plain sight and unfortunately may even be fueled by your co-workers or neighbors.”

There were 32 people in the state arrested on felony charges that included seeking sex with a minor, drug possession and trafficking, and promoting prostitution or compelling prostitution.

A total of 103 “johns” seeking to buy sex were arrested and charged.

There were nine search warrants conducted by law enforcement that included raids in the Cleveland, Akron, and Toledo areas.

There were over 100 law enforcement agencies involved in Operation Next Door which included OOCIC task forces that covered multiple geographical sections in the state.

The Southeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force consisted of the Noble County Sheriff’s Office, Athens County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Athens Police Department, Marietta Police Department, Noble County Prosecutor’s Office and the Rescue and Restore Coalition.

“I fully support the ongoing efforts of the Southeastern Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force and commend the dedicated agents who played a role in making Operation Next Door a success,” said Noble County Sheriff Jason Mackie. “The operation sent a clear and powerful message to those who seek to exploit the vulnerable.”

A total of 67 human trafficking survivors were directed to organizations that could assist with recovery.

Operation Next Door resulted in the arrest of 135 individuals during the six-day, statewide operation for various human trafficking charges.

“To those who produce or obtain material involving the exploitation of children, or those who believe they can profit from the suffering of others without consequence, it was a reminder that we are coming for you,” said Mackie.