Two men convicted in separate human trafficking cases are now headed to prison, following investigations by the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force.
In one case, Darren Lassiter, 41, was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after several decades. Prosecutors say Lassiter spent more than 10 years targeting and controlling multiple victims, using violence and coercion to force them into commercial sex acts.
A jury convicted him on 13 felony charges, including trafficking in persons, rape, and felonious assault.
In a separate case, Andrew Craig, 41, of Chicago, was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to charges including compelling and promoting prostitution. Authorities say Craig was arrested during an undercover operation known as “Operation Next Door,” where investigators determined he was advertising and attempting to sell sex encounters.
Craig will also be required to register as a Tier II sex offender upon release.
Officials say both cases underscore the importance of coordinated efforts between law enforcement and prosecutors to protect vulnerable individuals and hold offenders accountable.
