Northeast Ohio man accused of human trafficking a woman, her underage daughter Chad Robert Ryan (Source: Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force) By Chris Anderson | May 12, 2021 at 9:21 AM EDT - Updated May 12 at 9:21 AM
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated in a child exploitation investigation that resulted in the arrest of a Tuscarawas County man.
According to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force, Chad Robert Ryan was arrested on Saturday after he arrived to a location thinking that he arranged to pay $1,000 in exchange for sex with a woman and her 14-year-old daughter.
The 44-year-old man was charged with compelling prostitution, attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, and possessing criminal tools; all felony crimes.
EP police sued
EAST PALESTINE An East Palestine woman charged with obstructing official justice and resisting arrest is suing two East Palestine officers, the chief and the police department for an incident in February 2020.
Betsy L. Theodore, 452 Alice St., East Palestine, is suing officers Matthew Elser and William Milliken III, as well as Chief James Brown III and the East Palestine Police Department for assault, false arrest and malicious prosecution.
Theodore was charged with obstruction of justice and resisting arrest Feb. 9, 2020 after allegedly lying to officers about the identity of Travis Mosti, 38, who had a warrant out of Jefferson County. Both charges are second-degree misdemeanors and Theodore pleaded innocent at her arraignment Feb. 10, 2020. A jury trial is scheduled for Feb. 18, 2021 on the charges.
Jan 1, 2021
EAST PALESTINE Two search warrants over a four-day time period resulted in the seizure of suspected drugs and other drug-related items. On Dec. 24, members of the East Palestine Police Department, along with the Columbiana County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at a Wood Street home.
Authorities found suspected methamphetamines, drug paraphernalia and various other drug abuse related items in the home. Then on Dec. 27, the police used a second search warrant for a North Walnut Street home, where drugs, drug paraphernalia, firearms and cash were seized.
Police are withholding the names and exact addresses at this time due to the cases remaining under investigation. Charges are expected to be filed once lab results are completed.
Jan 1, 2021
Two search warrants over a four-day time period resulted in the seizure of suspected drugs and other drug-related items. On Dec. 24, members of the East Palestine Police Department, along with the county Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at a Wood Street home. Authorities found suspected meth, drug paraphernalia and various other drug abuse related items in the home. Then on Dec. 27, the police used a second search warrant for a North Walnut Street home, where drugs, drug paraphernalia, firearms and cash were seized. Police are withholding the names and exact addresses at this time due to the cases remaining under investigation. Charges are expected to be filed once lab results are completed. In a press release this week, Chief Jim Brown commended the officers for their work, commitment and result in combating illegal drugs activities in East Palestine, adding “taking illegal drugs off the streets is vital to the safety of our citizens and neighbors.”
Dec 23, 2020
EAST PALESTINE The East Palestine Police Department is alerting the public to scams involving individuals claiming to be law enforcement or village employees.
The scammer contacts the person attempting to collect a fine in lieu of arrest. The bogus charges involve a claim of identity theft, a Social Security number being compromised, someone failing to report for jury duty, arrest warrants or other criminal offenses.
The scammer then says the person can avoid arrest by withdrawing cash and transferring it to the police department or by purchasing a prepaid debit card or gift card.
Police Chief Jim Brown notes the scammer may use tactics to sound or appear credible, providing information such as the actual badge number of a law enforcement officer or call from a phone number, which appears on caller ID to be from the village of East Palestine.