DEFIANCE — A local and federal effort in Defiance led to seven arrests related to solicitation and prostitution.

Defiance police joined the Defiance County Sheriff's Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in an effort aimed at deterring sex trafficking, officials said Friday. 

Authorities charged the following with misdemeanor solicitation:

• William Deatrick, 56, of Cecil, Ohio.
• Chase Roberts, 33, of Edon, Ohio.
• Megan Pickard, 39, of Bryan.
• Dale Miller, 54, of Spencerville, Ind.
• Benjamin Njogu, 35, of Mason City, Iowa.
• Aleasha Cain, 36, of Ft. Wayne, Ind.

In addition, Brandon Perkins, 37, of Fort Wayne, Ind., is charged with promoting prostitution, a fourth-degree felony.

First Published October 19, 2018, 3:15 p.m.