1. Ohio woman admits involvement in murder and human trafficking scheme
2. Ohio woman confesses to participating in killing and sex trafficking operation.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
A woman who prosecutors said was involved in a sprawling human and drug trafficking ring and played a role in a 2021 homicide has been sentenced to a minimum of 28 years in prison. Jami Sherrill, 35, pleaded guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, trafficking in persons, trafficking in cocaine and four counts of trafficking in fentanyl.
Judge David Young handed down the sentence, ordering Sherrill to serve between 28 and 33 ½ years in prison. Additionally, she will be required to register as a Tier II sexual offender every 180 days for 25 years following her release.
Originally facing 44 separate charges, Sherrill changed her plea at a last-minute hearing in Franklin County Common Pleas Court. The charges stemmed from an investigation into a human trafficking ring and the murder of Jeremy Bickerstaff and Carlos Benito on May 9, 2021.
Columbus police discover two bodies in Glenwood Avenue home
Assistant Franklin County Prosecutor Dan Meyer revealed that Columbus police received a report of a break-in at a residence on Glenwood Avenue on the day of the homicide. Upon arrival, officers found Ezra Bowers, 46, who claimed he was trying to check on his cousin, believed to be deceased inside the home.
Inside the residence, officers discovered the bodies of Bickerstaff and Benito. The investigation determined that Benito had shot Bickerstaff and subsequently called Bowers for assistance. Sherrill and 37-year-old Anthony Rogers arrived at the scene, where Rogers proceeded to shoot Benito and Bowers before fleeing with Sherrill.
Fortunately, Bowers survived his injuries from the incident.
Crimes part of wider criminal enterprise
The shooting incident was just one part of a broader criminal operation orchestrated by Sherrill and Rogers. According to Assistant Franklin County Prosecutor Charles Holbrook, the duo ran multiple drug houses across Franklinton and the Hilltop.
The investigation revealed that at least seven women were trafficked as prostitutes by the pair. The drug operation first came to the attention of law enforcement in October 2018 when sex workers provided information on drug sources. Subsequent search warrants were executed at various locations, resulting in the seizure of over 300 grams of cocaine, 278 grams of fentanyl, and $188,000 in cash.
Bowers, who was also implicated in the investigation, pleaded guilty to attempted obstruction of justice but is yet to be sentenced. Another individual, 36-year-old Crystal Tippie, pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges related to Sherrill’s organization and awaits sentencing.
Rogers is currently set to stand trial in August, as per court records.
If you have any information related to this case, you can contact bbruner@gannett.com.
.
Ohio woman admits role in killing and human trafficking ring
Ohio woman confesses involvement in murder and sex trafficking operation.
