5 Members of Columbus-Area Criminal Enterprise Indicted on 27 Felony Human Trafficking Counts

5 Members of Ohio Criminal Enterprise Indicted on Human Trafficking Charges

17GEN4 News | May 28, 2026

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today that five suspected members of a criminal enterprise have been indicted on a combined 27 felony counts related to human trafficking for commercial sex in the Columbus area.

The indictments stem from an investigation by the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, organized under Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission and led by the Columbus Division of Police.

The DefendantsThe five individuals named in the indictment filed in Delaware County Common Pleas Court are:

• Derrick Christopher Soto, 36, of Columbus (alleged leader)

• Jacob Andrew Williston, 23, of Columbus

• Johnnie Jo Nathan Barringer, 42, of Toledo

• Nikki Ann Brletic, 29, of Columbus

• Jayla Marie James, 27, of Columbus

Charges

Each defendant faces:

• 1 count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity (first-degree felony)

• 2 counts of promoting prostitution (fourth-degree felonies)

• 1 count of money laundering (third-degree felony)

The charges allege the group operated as an organized criminal enterprise that trafficked women for commercial sex acts.

Allegations

According to the indictment and task force investigation:

• The enterprise was allegedly led by Derrick Soto, who is accused of using false promises and narcotics to coerce women into performing sex acts for profit.

• Co-defendants allegedly advertised sexual encounters online and drove the women to meet buyers.

• The operation was based in north Columbus.

• One victim encountered during the investigation was described as an adult with developmental disabilities.

The case originated from Operation Next Door, a statewide human trafficking sweep conducted in September 2025. During that operation, task force members encountered a survivor with a suspected trafficker, which led to the seizure of evidence and a deeper investigation into the enterprise.

Official Statement

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost highlighted the work of the multi-agency task force in dismantling organized trafficking operations. The task force includes representatives from the Columbus Division of Police, Dublin Police Department, FBI, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Grove City Police Department, Hilliard Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Marysville Police Department, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Salvation Army, and Southeast Healthcare.

Current Status

The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office will handle the prosecution. No court dates have been announced yet.This case is part of ongoing efforts by Ohio law enforcement to combat human trafficking across the state.

5 Members of Ohio Criminal Enterprise Indicted on Human Trafficking Charges

Ohio AG Dave Yost announces indictment of five people on 27 felony counts for allegedly running a sex trafficking ring in Columbus, including leader Derrick Soto.

17GEN4 News - 17GEN4.com