COLUMBUS, Ohio — After a years-long investigation by an Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission task force, four Columbus residents have been charged in connection with a trafficking operation.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced the charges Thursday.
Numerous tips were received by the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force about a possible human trafficking and drug trafficking ring on the west side of Columbus. The investigation identified 27 potential human trafficking victims.
More than $2000,000 worth of narcotics, $208,733 in cash and five firearms were seized by the end of the investigation.
On Oct. 5, Franklin County grand jury indicted four co-defendants on 44 felony charges for criminal activity which occurred from 2018-2022.
Jami Marie Sherill, 33, and Anthony Eugene Tyrone Rogers (aka Antonio E. Rogers), 36, were charged with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and multiple counts of trafficking and possession of a fentanyl-related compound; trafficking and possession of cocaine; trafficking in persons; compelling prostitution and promoting prostitution, according to a news release.
Ezra Reuben Bowers, 45, was charged with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.
Crystal Layne Tippie, 36, was charged with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, trafficking in a fentanyl-related compound, possession of a fentanyl-related compound, trafficking in cocaine and possession of cocaine.
Sherill and Bowers are in custody. Anyone with information about Rogers’ or Tippie’s whereabouts should contact the Columbus Division of Police at 614-645-4545.
Indictments are criminal allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.
