Nine Indicted in Alleged Central Ohio Human Trafficking Ring Investigation
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Nine people have been indicted on dozens of felony charges following a Central Ohio investigation into an alleged human trafficking operation authorities say involved the use of narcotics to force women into commercial sex work.
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson and Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney Shayla D. Favor announced Tuesday that a Franklin County grand jury indicted the nine defendants on a combined 42 felony charges connected to the investigation.
Authorities allege the group operated a human trafficking ring out of a motel on North Wilson Road in west Columbus, where women were allegedly coerced into commercial sex acts through the use of drugs.
Investigators also allege proceeds from the operation were laundered through Valentine Floral on Eakin Road. The alleged criminal activity reportedly occurred between April 2025 and January 2026.
The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, which operates under the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission within the Attorney General’s Office.
The defendants named in the indictment include:
Marcus Dwayne Gant, 37, Columbus — facing charges including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, trafficking in persons, compelling prostitution, promoting prostitution, fentanyl-related drug offenses, identity fraud, and money laundering.
Magon Rae Smith, 46, Columbus — facing charges including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, obstructing justice, trafficking in a fentanyl-related compound, and money laundering.
Raymond Curtis Valentine, 55, Columbus — facing charges including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, tampering with evidence, and money laundering.
John Wesley Gibson II, 42, Columbus — facing charges including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, drug trafficking, possession offenses involving fentanyl, and money laundering.
Malik Dada Jackson, 28, Grove City — facing charges including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, cocaine trafficking, fentanyl-related offenses, aggravated drug trafficking, and money laundering.
Jeremy Ryan Lindsey, 40, Columbus — facing charges including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, fentanyl-related trafficking and possession, and money laundering.
Mackenzie Leighann Fitzpatrick, 21, Columbus — facing charges including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, fentanyl-related offenses, aggravated drug trafficking, aggravated drug possession, and money laundering.
Aimee Lianne Fabin, 43, Columbus — facing charges including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, promoting prostitution, and money laundering.
Kayla Dejon Wheeler, 35, Hilliard — facing charges including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, aggravated drug trafficking, drug possession, evidence tampering, illegal conveyance of drugs onto government property, and money laundering.
Authorities said several counts include forfeiture specifications involving property connected to the alleged crimes. Some charges involve multiple defendants, bringing the total number of felony counts to 65.
All nine defendants are currently in custody.
The Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office is prosecuting the case. Officials said separate legal action was previously taken against the Econo Lodge on North Wilson Road earlier this year.
Officials emphasized that an indictment represents allegations only, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force includes representatives from the Columbus Division of Police, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Powell Police Department, Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office, Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office, Salvation Army, and Southeast Healthcare. The Dublin Police Department also assisted with the investigation.
Anyone who suspects human trafficking activity in Ohio is encouraged to report it to authorities.
