9 arrested in Human Trafficking investigation

DAYTON — Editor’s Note: The story below was updated on April 25, 2023.

Nine people have been arrested for prostitution and drug-related charges after a Montgomery County task force conducted an internet prostitution sting.

The sting was part of an ongoing Human Trafficking investigation by the Montgomery County Regional Agencies Narcotics & Gun Enforcement (R.A.N.G.E.) Task Force. Butler Township and Vandalia Police Departments assisted in the sting.

The operation was focused on prostitution related advertisements that had been posted on various online websites. Undercover detectives made the arrests.

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Ivy Wilks, 37; Jessica Berkman, 29; Kush Patel, 25; Lasasha Ruggles, 33; Lawrence Wellner, 63; and Rebecca Buchanan, 46, were all arrested and booked at the Montgomery County Jail on soliciting and criminal tools charges.

Hassaun Brown, 43, was arrested and booked at the Montgomery County Jail for Promoting Prostitution charges.

William Hay, 29, was arrested and booked at the Montgomery County Jail for Possession of Drug charges.

The investigation is ongoing.

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