A group of Warren residents doesn't like the reputation their city is getting.
"I do not like the idea of our town being called the human trafficking area of Ohio," explained Eddie Wolcott.
The Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative "Anti-Human Trafficking Core Team" has identified ten massage parlors in town with what it believes could possibly be questionable activity going on.
"The environment, you have to buzz to get in, women are not encouraged to come, and the windows and doors are blocked," said Emma Motley of the M.V.O.C. And the location of the parlors is also a concern. " They are close to churches and schools," shared Motley.
The M.V.O.C. has been working with Warren City Council and resident groups on legislation that would regulate activities inside the parlors.
"Another component will be to determine the hours that these massage parlors are allowed to operate," explained Cheryl Saffold of Warren City Council.
On Tuesday night the group held a rally at the Warren YMCA. Members encouraged people to call their elected leaders and tell them to vote yes for the legislation on January 25th.
Some of the city council members that were in attendance also showed their support by signing a pledge.
"We want to send out the right message that Warren is a good, safe, clean place to raise your families," shared Motley.
Wolcott said she, too, supports the proposed legislation.
