15 arrested in prostitution bust

FREMONT — An undercover investigation overseen by the Sandusky County Sheriff's Office led to the arrests of 15 people Monday for prostitution-related charges.The names of the people charged were not released.Detectives and the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force received tips about prostitution occurring in Sandusky County, according to a sheriff's office news release. The exact locations of where the alleged illegal activity took place also has not been released."The crime of prostitution brings with it the potential for numerous other crimes including rape, assault, drug abuse and robbery. Not to mention the unthinkable crimes against humanity of human trafficking and homicide," Sandusky County Sheriff Chris Hilton said. "Law enforcement officers in Sandusky County work diligently to identify and stop these crimes from occurring."The sheriff's office worked with the county drug task force, the FBI, Fremont police and the Wood County Sheriff's Office to conduct an undercover investigation to put an end to the prostitution operation and rescue any victims of human trafficking.The investigation led to arrests on charges that included prostitution, soliciting prostitution and promoting prostitution. Three people had outstanding warrants, and potential drug-related charges are also expected, the release states.Reach reporter Michael Harrington at michaelharrington@sanduskyregister.com, follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegister