Statewide Ohio Prostitution Sting Takes Down 135 Suspects; Shocking List Includes Clergy and Educators

CLEVELAND 13 (WCTU) — In late September, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced the results of 'Operation Next Door', a coordinated statewide law enforcement sting targeting human trafficking and prostitution. The multiagency operation, involving more than 100 local, state, and federal entities, resulted in the arrest of 135 individuals on charges ranging from solicitation to more serious offenses like promoting prostitution and seeking sex with minors.

“Operation Next Door was named to highlight the proximity and prevalence of human trafficking,” Yost stated. “Too often, we are lulled into the false narrative that these crimes happen only in the shadows.”

Of the 135 arrested, 32 individuals were booked on felony charges including promoting prostitution, compelling prostitution, engaging in sex with a minor, and drug-related offenses. Another 103 were arrested as “johns” and charged with engaging in prostitution or solicitation. The operation also identified 67 human trafficking survivors, who were referred to healthcare and social services.

Search warrants were executed at nine massage parlors across the state, including locations in Toledo, Cleveland, and Akron. Authorities seized more than $62,000 in cash along with key evidence supporting ongoing investigations.

In Northeast Ohio, authorities recovered a 14-year-old girl known to be at risk of trafficking and a 17-year-old who had been reported missing was located in Cleveland. Massage parlors in Lakewood and Cleveland were among the sites targeted, including Green Massage Spa, Dandelions Promise Foot Spa, and U Mei Spa.

One high-profile arrest was Dean Dimon, 76, of Avon, identified as a priest at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. He was arrested for soliciting prostitution and has been placed on administrative leave by the church.

Numerous arrests were also made in Lorain County, as confirmed by local authorities. Names such as Pete Ditzel, Alex Dowdell, Scott Edgerton, Gerald Edwards, Alonza Ezell, Bryan Flaczynski, Michael Ford, Brandon Ford, Miko Foster, and Joshua Franklin appeared on both publicly released arrest lists and a viral social media screenshot that claimed to identify individuals charged in the sting.

However, while the screenshot closely mirrors the official list of “johns” from Operation Next Door, legal nuances remain. Public records confirm arrests and probable charges, but not all cases have progressed to formal indictments or convictions. The list also includes mostly solicitation-related charges, with fewer individuals directly tied to trafficking or exploitation of minors.

The claim of local involvement from areas such as Mentor and Concord Township is partly substantiated. Edward Gallagher, 70, of Mentor, was listed among the arrested “johns,” consistent with community concerns shared online. While Pete Ditzel, identified as being from Concord Township, also appears in the list, local media and court records will need to confirm further details on his specific charges and legal status.

Residents concerned about the impact of these arrests should consult local court dockets, monitor upcoming arraignments or trials, and track statements from law enforcement or prosecutors. Community response may also benefit from outreach by local advocacy groups and social service providers.

The Attorney General’s Office emphasized that the sting was designed to target both traffickers and buyers, highlighting the broader ecosystem that sustains human exploitation. “Too often, we believe these crimes happen only in the shadows … the reality is they may be fueled by neighbors or co-workers,” said a law enforcement official involved in the operation.

-----------------

At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up‑to‑date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com.