MLB Umpire Brian O’Nora Reportedly Arrested in Sex Sting Operation

David Matthews of The New York Daily News wrote:Major League Baseball umpire Brian O’Nora was reportedly arrested Sunday as part of a human trafficking sting in Ohio.

According to USA Today, the operation targeted people who were attempting to buy sex through the internet. After making arrangements, the men were nabbed after they arrived at a local hotel in Youngstown, in eastern Ohio.

In a joint press conference, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Liberty Township Police Chief Toby Meloro announced that O’Nora, 57, and 13 others were arrested and charged with soliciting, a third-degree misdemeanor, and possessing criminal tools, a first-degree misdemeanor.

“John stings deter those seeking to purchase sex--reducing the demand for human trafficking--and serve as a reminder that these crimes are more prevalent and closer to home than you may think,” attorney general Yost said.

O’Nora became an umpire in 1999 and has worked many notable playoff series, including the 2008 American League Championship Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox and the 2012 World Series between the San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers. He also worked the 2019 All-Star Game which was held in Cleveland.