YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Investigators in Mahoning County believe a suspect has been operating a human trafficking ring for about 15 years involving at least 80 women.

Ronald Hellman, 50, is being held in jail on a $100,000 bond after being charged Monday with four counts of compelling prostitution involving a minor, WFMJ Channel 21 reports.

Mahoning County Sheriff Office Major Jeff Allen says investigators believe both women and juveniles were among the victims.

According to WKBN Channel 27, Hellman is accused of bringing women and girls to the home of Charles Krusak, 77, and that Hellman received payments from Krusak.

Reports say Krusak's home in Austintown was raided last month. He was arrested on charges of prostitution and child porn.

The victims were held either because of drug addition or by force, authorities tell WFMJ.

"They've gotten into this life because people have made them dependent on drugs," lawyer Jennifer McLaughlin tells WKBN. "They're physically abused ... and they're afraid ... and so they will do what these men tell them to do."

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