WARREN — A Masury man was one of 10 arrested in an undercover sting operation aimed at reducing sex trafficking, Ohio Attorney General Mike Dewine and Warren Police Chief Eric Merkel said in a news release issued Nov. 30.
Gerald Rodriguez, 37, of 1303 Bedford Road, and the others were arrested when they showed up at a meeting in Warren, officials said.
Rodriguez pleaded not guilty in Warren Municipal Court to a charge of soliciting, and was released on his own recognizance, according to the court. His next court appearance was set for Jan. 11.
The suspects responded to online advertisements placed by law enforcement, officials said. They exchanged messages with an undercover officer purportedly arranging a sexual encounter for pay with an adult woman, officials said.
Other agencies participating are Austintown police, Adult Parole Authority, Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office and Ohio Highway Patrol.
Photo courtesy of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.