The Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force has made another arrest in Columbiana County.

Michael James Tullis, 45, of Boardman, appeared before a judge in Columbiana County Municipal Court on Thursday, pleading not guilty to charges of engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools.

According to an affidavit, Tullis responded to an ad placed on a website known for prostitution by an undercover agent posing as a woman.

Allegedly seeking sex acts in exchange for cash, the agent said that Tullis demanded photographs to make sure the woman he had contacted was not the “piglets”; a possible reference to police.

The agent says Tullis was arrested in East Palestine on Wednesday when he showed up at a pre-arranged location.

Police say Tullis had $100 with him, and the phone he allegedly used to set up the meeting.

Tullis was freed from jail on bond.  Another court hearing is scheduled for July.

Earlier this week, the Task Force filed prostitution charges against three men arrested by undercover agents in Salem.

The latest affidavit says the arrest is part of Task Force efforts to reduce the continuing demand for prostitution.