Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein

For many, Pride is a celebration of the progress that’s been made for the LGBTQ+ community, from nondiscrimination protections to marriage equality and so much more—but it’s also a reminder that there’s more work to do.
 
Extremist bills targeting the LGBTQ+ community have been introduced in nearly every state, and hate and bias crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals are on the rise nationwide.

Hate has no home in Columbus. If any bias crime comes across my desk, I’ve instructed my team to talk to victims and prosecute these cases to the fullest extent possible.
 
We’ve got your back. Happy Pride Month, Columbus. 🏳️‍🌈

My office’s Property Action Team has secured a court order to board up a west side condominium for felony drug activity and overdoses. The property is currently under an agreed upon order with the court filed in 2021 following an extensive history of criminal activity, narcotics complaints, drug overdoses, domestic violence and shootings.

My office initially filed a complaint in 2021 alleging criminal activity and drug dealing out of 1117 Hardesty Place East, a condominium in the Hardesty Village complex on the west side. For years, the property plagued the neighborhood with multiple shootings, drug overdoses, and violent crime. The Environmental Court granted the City’s initial motion to board up the property in 2021 as well as a subsequent agreement later that same year between the Court, City and property owner for the owner to clean up the property and keep it crime and drug free.

Recently, however, the Property Action Team alleges several violations of the 2021 Court order. Police have observed multiple guests at the property after receiving community complaints about foot traffic and drug activity. There have also been reports of at least three drug overdoses at the property in recent years.

The Court sided with the City and granted its emergency motion to find the property owner in contempt of court and ordered CPD to board up the property.

Property owners that let drugs and criminal activity fester on their watch will not be tolerated in the city of Columbus. The moment we have sufficient evidence of this type of negligence, we will take action, and if appropriate, ask the Court to shut the property down so we can get it cleaned up. Neighbors are safer now with this magnet for drugs and crime no longer terrorizing the west side.

Today, we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice secured the freedoms we enjoy every day, and we owe them a debt that can never fully be repaid. Happy Memorial Day, Columbus. 🇺🇸

I was glad to spend time with Jennifer and the team at Jordan’s Crossing yesterday. Their resource center on Columbus’ west side continues to make a meaningful difference for residents experiencing addiction, homelessness, and other hardships.

Jordan’s Crossing was one of the very first community partners in our police community immersion program, strengthening relationships between Columbus police recruits and the neighborhoods they serve.

Jennifer and her team’s compassion and leadership are helping shape better futures for so many of our friends and neighbors on the west side and throughout the city.

Today’s ribbon cutting at Community for New Direction’s new facility marked an important investment in healing, prevention, and opportunity for Columbus families. This new space will strengthen the organization’s ability to provide mental health and substance use treatment and intervention services.

I was proud to join community leaders and partners in celebrating this milestone and the important work does every day to support youth and families.

My office and Franklin County Prosecutor Shayla D. Favor have obtained a court order to shut down Rejuvenation Spa and Red Beans Spa, two Central Ohio area massage parlors accused of operating an extensive network of promoting prostitution. The joint lawsuit follows years of surveillance and investigatory work by the Columbus Division of Police and the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, which documented the criminal activity. Columbus Police executed orders to board up the properties located at 5841 Karric Square Dr. in Dublin, Ohio, and 1066 Norton Rd. on the west side of Columbus.

According to court documents, both massage parlors have extensive histories of prostitution, with CPD and the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force receiving numerous complaints about the properties, which share ownership, in recent years.

From December 2025 to May 2026, the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force conducted surveillance operations at both massage parlors and observed activity consistent with prostitution and human/s*x trafficking operations. Investigators also conducted multiple trash pulls at Rejuvenation and Red Beans, which uncovered numerous items indicating prostitution at the premises. Investigators also observed multiple instances of business owners and staff transporting workers between locations.

In addition to in person surveillance, the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force documented numerous posts and online content for both spas indicating their operation as illicit massage parlors and hubs for prostitution, including reviews of s*xual services on certain s*xually oriented websites.

The next hearing in this case is set for May 21, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

The reports of prostitution and possible human trafficking involving these two businesses is abhorrent, and I’m thankful for the work of law enforcement, the Property Action Team, and the County Prosecutor’s Office to shut these parlors down and hold the perpetrators accountable.

I’ll continue to fight against corrupt and criminal business owners and won’t hesitate to crack down on any business that threatens public safety. Our community is safer with these spas shut down.

Chief Elaine Bryant joined in 2021 during a challenging moment for our city and country. She met the moment, and her leadership in the years since has made Columbus safer and stronger.

I was honored to stand alongside and CPD leadership today as announced the renewal of the Chief’s contract for another five years.

I’m grateful for the strong partnership between my office and the Division of Police and look forward to continuing to work together to keep our kids and communities safe.