On Friday, an undercover operation in Salem, Ohio, led to the arrest of Robert Acri, a Youngstown Phantoms employee. Robert, 30, who worked as the Director of Hockey Operations for the team, was suspended after the incident, according to a team statement released the next day.
The Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force shared that Robert had responded to an online ad for prostitution, asking for two services for $100. When he arrived at a pre-arranged spot in Salem, officers from the task force and other local agencies were waiting to take him into custody.
Robert allowed officers to search his phone before being taken to the Columbiana County Jail, where he faces charges related to solicitation and possession of criminal tools.
The operation was a joint effort between the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force, Salem Police, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Intel Unit, aiming to target individuals seeking to purchase sex online.
In response to the arrest, the Youngstown Phantoms shared on social media that Robert had been suspended from his role while the situation is being investigated. The team emphasized that their focus remains on the safety of their players and that they’re closely monitoring the ongoing developments.
