Human trafficking task force searches Austintown home

The task force has been investigating since August

By:

Amanda Smith

AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) - The Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force searched a home in Austintown Thursday morning.

Officials were on scene at a home in the 3900 block of Dunbar, apparently looking into electronic child pornography.

Human Trafficking task force...

The task force has been investigating since August, and finally had enough evidence to conduct a search of the home. 

Major Jeff Allen says the task force started investigating when an officer traced activity from an online child pornography site to the home.

"Images and video of child pornography were being viewed at this home, so we executed a search warrant here," Allen says.

Children are trafficked by the makers of the pornography, who also make money off selling the images. 

The pornographers learn to sell and conceal their images in high-tech methods, which makes these investigations difficult.

"It's very difficult. It changes daily just like any other crime. When law enforcement catches on, they find a different route and we have to learn that route. It's a constant battle," Allen says.

These investigations are also difficult from an emotional standpoint. Special Agent Jim Ciotti says officers have to view images of children being abused and exploited during the investigation.

"It's bad. Our agents are required to go through what is called vicarious trauma training every year. We just have to make sure they are doing well. The images you see are horrendous," Ciotti says.

He says they do it to keep children safe. 

"Research has shown that 50 percent of these individuals that look at child porn are hands-on on child porn."