Six Sentenced in Human Trafficking Case

AG: Ohio News Releases

Filed March 1st, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

The Ohio Attorney General announced the sentencing of six individuals in a human trafficking case in Mahoning Valley. The defendants received maximum sentences and fines, highlighting the state's commitment to prosecuting such crimes.

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What changed

The Ohio Attorney General's office has announced the sentencing of six individuals involved in a human trafficking operation in the Mahoning Valley. The defendants have received the maximum sentences and fines allowable by law, indicating a successful prosecution and a strong stance against human trafficking by the state.

This case serves as a significant enforcement action, demonstrating the severe consequences for those convicted of human trafficking offenses. Law enforcement and legal professionals should note the severity of the penalties imposed, which underscores the importance of robust investigation and prosecution in combating such crimes. While no specific compliance actions are required for regulated entities, this outcome reinforces the need for vigilance and adherence to laws protecting vulnerable populations.

Penalties

Maximum sentences and fines

Source document (simplified)

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Media > News Releases > March 2026 > Six People Sentenced in Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Case

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Six People Sentenced in Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Case

3/18/2026

(WARREN, Ohio) — Six people have been sentenced for their roles in a Mahoning Valley human trafficking sex ring, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene announced today.

“This group ran a cash-for-sex operation behind the façade of a massage parlor and tried to wire their illicit profits out of state,” Yost said. “Under the leadership of Sheriff Greene, our task force conducted a meticulous investigation, tracing funds and seizing key evidence to build an airtight case. Great work by our investigative and legal teams.”

The defendants, who entered guilty pleas in February, received the maximum sentences and fines, with their prison terms suspended if they pay the fines in the next 12 months. They were sentenced to:

Tae Suk Hwang, aka “Jeannie,” 63, of Saginaw, Michigan:
- 68 months in prison (suspended) and $31,000 fine
Young Sug Kim, aka “Young Crazy,” 62, of New Waterford, Ohio:
- 66 months in prison (suspended) and $17,500 fine. She also faces deportation.
Charles McGill, 69, of Warren, Ohio:
- 130 months in prison (suspended) and $35,000 fine
Sunny Oh, 68, of Palisades Park, New Jersey:
- 84 months in prison (suspended) and $27,500 fine
Miock Dong Schaffer, aka “Cookie,” 57, of Norwalk, Ohio:
- 72 months in prison (suspended) and $17,500 fine
Young Hee Yoon, 57, of Warren, Ohio:
- 144 months in prison (suspended) and $37,500 fine. She also faces deportation.

Additionally, through plea agreements, these defendants will forfeit more than $332,000 in seized funds.

The group operated a human trafficking ring that forced women into prostitution at two illicit massage parlors in Warren: the Tiger Spa and Sunny Spa. Indictments filed last year accused the defendants of confining women at the establishments, forcing them to live on the premises and perform sex acts for money.

The charges stemmed from an investigation by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force, formed under Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC) and led by the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office. In March 2023, the task force and partnering agencies executed search warrants at the businesses as part of “Operation Saving Daylight,” a coordinated crackdown during which investigators seized large amounts of cash, financial assets and business records.

Two additional defendants, Dong Melidong and Chang Hwang, will be sentenced on April 9. Cases against other defendants remain pending.

Yost’s Special Prosecutions Section prosecuted the cases in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court.

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