According to a latest news article, the state of Ohio has weak laws in regard to human trafficking. Because of its close proximity to the Canadian border, specifically Toronto, many international victims arrive in Toronto then transported to other cities. In the city of Toledo, Ohio which is about 55 miles southwest of Windsor, Ontario, ranks fourth in the U.S. in terms of arrests, investigations and rescue of domestic child-sex victims.

Nationwide, between 45,000 and 50,000 people are trafficked into the United States. The other cities involved in human trafficking include Miami, Portland, Ore., and Las Vegas.

The state of Ohio does not have a stand-alone human trafficking law. Instead, the state law allows prosecutors to attach a human trafficking specification only to related crimes that increase prison sentences, for example, penalties are more severe if a crime involves a firearm.

Ohio needs to follow stricter state laws that are found in 42 other states. The laws are tougher in Delaware, Montana, New Mexico and New York. Human traffickers may face up to 100 years in prison.