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Two Houston-Area Men Busted for Human Trafficking in Ohio

Law enforcement officers on the scene during a rescue operation for human trafficking victims.

News Summary

In a shocking incident, two men from Houston, Timarrea Granderson and Larry Hill, were arrested in Ohio for human trafficking after a tip-off led to a successful rescue operation. Four victims, all from Texas, were recovered during the arrest efforts, highlighting the ongoing issues of human trafficking. Authorities are investigating the case further as the men await extradition back to Texas to face serious charges including trafficking and compelling prostitution of a minor.

Two Houston-Area Men Busted for Human Trafficking in Ohio

Columbus, Ohio – In a shocking turn of events, two men from the Houston area found themselves in big trouble after being arrested for human trafficking. The duo, identified as Timarrea Granderson, 27, from Cypress, Texas, and Larry Hill, 26, from Houston, were taken into custody on March 13, 2025, following an extensive investigation into their alleged activities.

The Beginning of the Investigation

The situation unfolded when authorities received a valuable tip from the FBI’s Houston office along with the Texas Department of Public Safety. They raised concerns about a juvenile victim who was feared to be in Columbus. This prompted the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, in collaboration with the Columbus Division of Police’s PACT Unit, to kick off a search for the missing teen.

Drama Unfolds in Columbus

That same evening, law enforcement located Granderson and arrested him at a residence—luckily, one of the trafficking victims was also present during the arrest. Meanwhile, Hill wasn’t as cooperative. Upon realizing that he was being sought after, he barricaded himself inside a house on West Kanawha Avenue. This standoff led to the involvement of the Columbus Police Division’s SWAT team, alongside the Sharon Township Police Department, to successfully apprehend Hill.

Rescue Operation

Incredibly, during the operation to arrest Hill, two more victims were rescued from the very same house where Hill had barricaded himself. Moreover, a fourth victim was later located and safely recovered at a different location, marking a big win for the task force.

Who Are the Victims?

All four victims of this heart-wrenching case are Texas residents, and thankfully, they are now receiving support and services from the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force. While not much information has been disclosed regarding the specific ages of the victims, the traumatic impact of such experiences surely cannot be underestimated.

The Charges Awaiting Granderson and Hill

Currently, both Granderson and Hill are waiting for extradition back to Texas, where they will face several serious charges. These include trafficking of a person and compelling prostitution of a minor, among others. The implications of these charges are severe, reflecting the grave nature of the crimes they are accused of committing.

Prior Legal Troubles

Interestingly, this isn’t the first brush with the law for either of these men. At the time of his arrest, Hill was out on bond related to previous unlawful carry of a weapon charges. Similarly, Granderson had faced previous charges linked to unlawful carry and possession of a forged instrument, raising concerns about their criminal history.

Community Reaction

The community is surely shaken by this incident, raising awareness about the hidden issue of human trafficking that continues to be prevalent in many places. It serves as a grim reminder of the risks faced by vulnerable individuals and the importance of remaining vigilant. The comprehensive effort made by law enforcement and task forces in this particular case highlights the ongoing battle against human trafficking.

A Call for Vigilance

As the investigation continues and more details emerge, it is crucial for community members to stay informed and aware. This heartbreaking case sheds light on the darker side of society that many prefer to ignore. Everyone has a role in protecting the most vulnerable among us—after all, human trafficking could affect anyone.