Undercover human trafficking investigation nets 4 arrests in Tennessee
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WZTV) — Four men are behind bars following a human trafficking bust by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation in Cleveland.
Undercover authorities placed several decoy ads on websites known to be linked to prostitution and commercial sex acts over a three-day period starting on Aug. 15.
"The focus of the operation was to identify individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts with individuals under the age of 18 and to rescue individuals forced into trafficking, as well as targeting individuals who looked to force individuals into trafficking," the TBI said.
Following the operation, two Tennessee men and two Georgia men were arrested and booked into the Bradley County Jail.
Timothy Carter of Crossville, Stephen Whited of Sweetwater, and Brian Hamler of Atlanta are each charged with one count of trafficking for commercial sex. Donald Thomas of Lawrenceville, Ga. is charged with one count of promoting prostitution and one count of criminal impersonation.
According to the TBI, the investigation remains active and may bring additional charges and arrests.
Resources:
Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-855-55-TNHTH or Text ‘BeFree’ to 233733