New Leader to Combat Human Trafficking in Ohio

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson today announced the hiring of an anti-human trafficking professional to coordinate the efforts of the Governor's Human Trafficking Task Force.

Kelli Cary returns to Ohio after serving for about two years as CEO of AncoraTN, which combats human trafficking in central Tennessee. Previously in Ohio, Cary served the human trafficking community in jobs at RAHAB Ministries, the Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center, and the Salvation Army.

"Kelli's experience will enable Ohio's human trafficking victims to receive support, services, and continue their healing journey," said Director Wilson, whose agency houses the position within the Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS). "Kelli will oversee all the human trafficking programmatic assistance OCJS provides and will coordinate with the 15 state agencies that are part of the statewide task force to ensure a continuum of care for victims."

Governor Mike DeWine's administration dedicated $9 million in funding to combat human trafficking in Ohio's most recent operating budget. This historic investment is also being used toward additional local and statewide projects and to expand the Governor's Human Trafficking Task Force, which prioritizes a holistic approach to responding to human trafficking by identifying gaps in prevention, victim services, and prosecution.

The budget investment also allowed OCJS to hire Kathy Chen, a Special Population Anti-Trafficking Specialist, who works with local human trafficking task forces and law enforcement agencies to disrupt illicit massage businesses. Oftentimes, these organizations are a front to promote and engage in human trafficking.

"Ohio is unique among states in that we have dedicated resources and a position to crack down on illicit massage businesses," said Cary. "Kathy's experience and track record of her work in California will help many communities across Ohio - in rural, suburban, and urban areas - who are battling illicit massage activities."

Since her start in January, Chen has been re-establishing her previous relationships with local task forces and resource providers. The key to prosecuting these crimes is law enforcement, victim services, and culturally specific services working together as a team.

As part of this new human trafficking budget investment, the Governor announced in February a $4.6 million in funding to help victim service agencies meet the needs of human trafficking survivors.