PORTSMOUTH, OH (WOWK) – 75-year-old Michael Mearan, a lawyer in Portsmouth, Ohio was facing nine counts of promoting prostitution, five counts of compelling prostitution, three counts of human trafficking, and one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.
I’m told Michael Mearan, the Portsmouth lawyer indicted for human trafficking, has died. His trial was set for January.
At least he died publicly charged for his crimes, and his victims knew the dignity of being heard and believed. They have survived him.
— Attorney General Dave Yost (@Yost4Ohio) November 27, 2021
These charges are from criminal activity involving six female victims that allegedly occurred between 2003 and 2018.
Mearan operated a law firm in the city of Portsmouth until his arrest in 2020. He pleaded not guilty and had posted his bail of three-hundred thousand dollars a few days after his arrest.
His death was confirmed by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost Friday evening. This sudden news comes just a little more than a month away from his trial.
Read more at https://www.wowktv.com/news/crime/portsmouth-lawyer-facing-human-trafficking-charges-dies/
