CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley announced that Darren Lassiter, 41, also known as “King Dinero,” was found guilty of multiple charges related to trafficking and exploiting four women, ages 18 to 32, over the course of 10 years.

“This defendant preyed on vulnerable individuals and subjected them to years of exploitation and abuse. I want to thank the jury for their time and commitment to justice in holding this defendant accountable.”

– Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley

From January 2014 to June 2024, Darren Lassiter targeted and exploited four victims, compelling them to engage in commercial sexual acts. The investigation revealed Lassiter controlled the victims by managing their online advertisements, isolating them in residences or hotels, and taking the proceeds of their exploitation.

When the victims did not comply with Lassiter’s instructions, including refusing to engage in commercial sexual acts or trying to keep their money, he would physically assault them and on some occasions, sexually assault them.

This investigation was conducted by the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, with assistance from the Middleburg Heights Police Department and the Lorain County HEAL Task Force, and with advocacy from the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center and the Harriet Tubman Movement.

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, please call 216.443.6085.

On March 24, 2026, Darren Lassiter was found guilty by a jury on the following charges:

  • Two counts of Trafficking in Persons
  • Four counts of Compelling Prostitution
  • Five counts of Promoting Prostitution
  • One count of Rape with a Sexually Violent Predator Specification
  • One count of Felonious Assault

He will be sentenced on April 16, 2026, at 9 a.m.