Ten Indicted in Putnam County Human Trafficking Operation

TBI Press Release  by Susan Niland COOKEVILLE – An undercover human trafficking operation conducted by Special Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Office of the 13th District Attorney General, Cookeville Police Department, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations has resulted in the arrest of ten men facing felony charges in a targeted effort to identify individuals attempting to purchase illicit sex from minors. “With each similar operation we conduct, we want to send the same message; that we will not tolerate the sexual exploitation of any person in our community,” says TBI Acting Director Jason Locke. “This is a demand-driven crime, involving men from all kinds of backgrounds. As a state, Tennessee has led the fight to see to it that no child or adult falls victim to these sexual predators.” The operation began in Cookeville on February 15th and continued through February 17th. The operational focus was on individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts with females under the age of 18, and those engaged in trafficking others for commercial sex acts. For all three days of the operation, advertisements were placed in the "Women Seeking Men" section of backpage.com, and two female TBI Agents posted as individuals offering sex on that site. During the course of the resulting text or phone conversations, the Agents identified themselves as being 14 to 17 years old. A total of ten men, from college students, to a mail carrier, to a landscaping company owner, traveled to the location to meet for the purpose of illicit sex from a female they believed to be a minor. “As significant as these arrests are, we are only scratching the surface,” says Cookeville Police Chief Randy Evans. “It is incumbent upon us to remain vigilant, and pursue and prosecute human trafficking across the state, as we all continue to battle this heinous crime.” In the course of the three-day operation, men using 697 unique phone numbers responded to the ads that were posted online, seeking to purchase illicit sex. The total number of contacts, such as text messages and calls, was 5,211. Some of the conversations between these men and undercover Agents continued after they learned they were chatting with someone they believed to be a minor. During the operation, Agents and Intelligence Analysts also gathered information in an effort to identify and recover potential victims of human trafficking. “I am pleased that this investigation was successful,” says 13th District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway. “At the same time, I find it disturbing and tragic that there is even a need to conduct such an investigation in our community. The District Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to be proactive in the fight to protect child victims and to expose and hold accountable those who prey on them.” Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris agrees. “Human trafficking and exploitation of children and young adults has no place in our community. I want our citizens to know that we take every threat to their safety seriously. Our agency will always work with law enforcement partners to help eliminate human trafficking from occurring.” This is the 13th time the TBI has worked with partner law enforcement agencies across the state to help identify, investigate and prosecute trafficking. Assistant Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI’s efforts in Tennessee says, “For almost three years now, ICE/HSI has partnered with TBI and agencies across Tennessee to combat this heinous form of modern-day slavery.  Individuals seeking to exploit victims of sex trafficking need to realize that law enforcement across Tennessee is unified and will aggressively investigate and prosecute the perpetrators.  We also stand ready to protect and assist any victims that we are able to rescue as part of these operations.” On May 8th, the Putnam County Grand Jury returned indictments, charging ten individuals in connection with this operation. At the time of this release, eight of those men had been taken into custody: *Kenneth Hobbs (DOB 09/29/1966, Dunlap):  One count Patronizing Prostitution (Class B Felony) *Lance Hatmaker (DOB 12/06/1987, Carthage): One count Patronizing Prostitution (Class A Felony) *Matthew Kenty (DOB 06/24/1999, Birmingham, AL): One count Patronizing Prostitution (Class B Felony) *Nicanor Baraiac (DOB 02/15/1976, Lenoir City): One count Patronizing Prostitution (Class A Felony) *Nathaniel Stalnaker (DOB 05/04/1999, Cookeville):  One count Patronizing Prostitution (Class A Felony) *Justin Adcock (DOB 02/13/1990, Algood):  One count Patronizing Prostitution (Class A Felony) *Daniel Baltazar (DOB 07/16/1983, Cookeville): One count Patronizing Prositution (Class B Felony) *Marcus Clark (DOB 07/27/1999, Monroe): One count Patronizing Prostitution (Class A Felony) Jerry Redman is CEO of Second Life Tennessee, a non-profit anti-human trafficking organization for the 25-county region that includes the Upper Cumberland area. “Our organization works regularly to educate communities on what trafficking actually is, and create and strengthen partnerships to ensure that our region is well-equipped to turn the tide on this crime, and most of all, assist those victimized by trafficking so that they can truly live the lives they dream of and deserve.” For more information on resources, and how to help in the fight against human trafficking, visit https://ithastostop.com/.   Kenneth Hobbs    Lance Hatmaker    Matthew Kenty   Nicanor Baraiac    Nathaniel Stalnaker    Justin Adcock    Daniel Baltazar    Marcus Clark

22 Men Indicted in Brentwood TN Human Trafficking Operation

From TBI Press release

NASHVILLE – An undercover human trafficking operation conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Brentwood Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the office of 21^st District Attorney General Kim Helper has resulted in mostly felony indictments for 22 men in a targeted effort to identify individuals attempting to purchase illicit sex from minors.

“Yet again, our collaborative effort proves human trafficking is happening every day in communities across Tennessee,” said Jason Locke, Deputy Director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. “For years, our state has led the way in fighting this injustice, and we won’t stop doing whatever we can to send the message that it has to stop.”

During the first three days of the operation in early October, two female TBI Agents posed as individuals offering sex on Backpage.com. During the course of the resulting text or phone conversations, the Agents identified themselves as 14 and 16 years old. Those who were undeterred and still traveled to the location to meet for the purpose of illicit sex included a computer programmer, automotive engineer, construction worker, and a chef.

“This is, without doubt, a demand-driven crime, involving men from all kinds of backgrounds” said TBI Director Mark Gwyn. “We need more men to stand up and talk honestly about how we got here as a culture and what we need to do to fix it. Unless we’re willing to hold one other accountable, we will continue to see too many people victimized by this kind of crime, with no one to blame but ourselves.”

On the fourth and final day of the operation, undercover male Agents responded to advertisements on Backpage.com in an effort to identify and recover potential victims of human trafficking. Two women responded, but declined services offered through a partner nonprofit agency.

“Educating law enforcement and the public alike on the prevalence of human trafficking in society today has become a priority that requires our attention,” said Brentwood Police Chief Jeff Hughes. “I would like to commend the TBI on conducting this undercover operation, and similar operations around the state, in combating Human Trafficking. The Brentwood Police Department stands ready to work with the TBI and our law enforcement partners to target and arrest those who would promote this type of criminal activity.”

At the time of this release, 11 of the 22 individuals implicated in the operation remained in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“ICE/HSI is proud to once again partner with TBI on this important effort,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI’s efforts in Tennessee. “Apprehending illegal aliens who seek to prey on our youth in Tennessee remains a top priority. ICE/HSI stands ready to provide the appropriate protections to the victims of this form of modern-day slavery.”

On Monday, the Williamson County Grand Jury returned indictments, charging the 22 men with a variety of offenses. At the time of this release, authorities had arrested nine of the individuals, including:

• Francisco Badillo (DOB 5-12-75, Franklin, Bond: $40,000): 1 count Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor (Class A Felony), 1 count Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor (Class B Felony), 2 counts Patronizing Prostitution, 2 counts Solicitation to Commit Aggravated Statutory Rape, 2 counts Solicitation to Commit Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor
• Ibrahim Demyan (DOB 6-4-68, Nashville, Bond: $30,000): 1 count Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor (Class A Felony), 1 count Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor (Class B Felony), 2 counts Patronizing Prostitution, 2 counts Solicitation to Commit Aggravated Statutory Rape, 2 counts Solicitation to Commit Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor
• Luis Gonzalez-Garcia (DOB 10-7-88, Lewisburg, Bond: $30,000): 1 count Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor (Class B Felony), 1 count Patronizing Prostitution, 1 count Solicitation to Commit Aggravated Statutory Rape, 1 count Solicitation to Commit Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor
• Terry William Garner (DOB 4-20-74), Columbia, Bond: $30,000): 1 count Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor (Class A Felony), 1 count Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor (Class B Felony), 2 counts Patronizing Prostitution, 2 counts Solicitation to Commit Aggravated Statutory Rape, 2 counts Solicitation to Commit Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor, 1 count Simple Possession of Marijuana, 1 count Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Mohamed Hassan (DOB 3-30-75, Spring Hill, Bond: $40,000): 1 count Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor (Class A Felony), 1 count Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor (Class B Felony), 2 counts Patronizing Prostitution, 2 counts Solicitation to Commit Aggravated Statutory Rape, 2 counts Solicitation to Commit Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor
• Jeremiah McSpaddin (DOB 1-31-85, Columbia, Bond: $50,000): 1 count Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor (Class B Felony), 1 count Patronizing Prostitution, 1 count Solicitation to Commit Aggravated Statutory Rape, 1 count Solicitation to Commit Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor, 1 count Simple Possession of Marijuana
• Ajay Kumar Mistry (DOB 6-2-75, Franklin, Bond: $30,000): 1 count Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor (Class A Felony), 1 count Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor (Class B Felony), 2 counts Patronizing Prostitution, 2 counts Solicitation to Commit Aggravated Statutory Rape, 2 counts Solicitation to Commit Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor
• Jerwon Robinson (DOB 12-4-86, Columbia, Bond: $30,000): 1 count Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor (Class A Felony), 1 count Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor (Class B Felony), 2 counts Patronizing Prostitution, 2 counts Solicitation to Commit Aggravated Statutory Rape, 2 counts Solicitation to Commit Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor, 1 count Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 1 count Simple Possession
• Orozco-Gelacio Navarro (DOB 10-5-17, Held Without Bond): 1 count Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor (Class A Felony), 1 count Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor (Class B Felony), 2 counts Patronizing Prostitution, 2 counts Solicitation to Commit Aggravated Statutory Rape, 2 counts Solicitation to Commit Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor

“Unfortunately, the results of this joint operation demonstrate the need for continued vigilance for signs of human trafficking in our communities,” said 21^st District Attorney General Kim Helper. “The fact that so many men were willing to engage in sexual activity with whom they believed to be a 14- and 16-year-old is shocking.  Our office will continue to vigorously pursue and prosecute individuals involved in any form of human trafficking.” 

Earlier this year, as part of its ongoing effort to educate the public about the crime of human trafficking, the TBI relaunched it website providing information on warning signs, Tennessee’s trafficking statute, state-specific research, and nonprofits working across Tennessee to provide support and services for victims of human trafficking. Additional information can be found online at www.ITHasToStop.com, and on Twitter at @ITHasToStopTN.

BADILLO

DEMYAN

GONZALEZ-GARCIA

GARNER

HASSAN

MCSPADDIN

MISTRY

ROBINSON

NAVARRO

Man Charged, Accused of Trafficking Teen Girl for Commercial Sex Acts

TBI has released the following information on a case they are investigating.

NASHVILLE – Special Agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's Human Trafficking Unit, working alongside the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, have obtained an indictment for a man accused of trafficking a 15-year-old girl for the purposes of commercial sex.

During the course of the investigation, authorities determined that, in early August, Charles Denton (DOB 4-3-83) recruited the child through social media and subsequently transported her from her home in DeKalb County to a motel in Nashville for the purposes of having her participate in commercial sex acts.

On August 25^th, the DeKalb County Grand Jury returned an indictment, charging Denton with one count of Trafficking for a Commercial Sex Act. Authorities subsequently arrested him and booked him into the DeKalb County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

Charles Denton

11 Men Facing Felony Charges as a Result of Kingsport Human Trafficking Operation

JOHNSON CITY – A youth leader, a coach, and a volunteer firefighter are among nearly a dozen men facing felony charges as part of a four-day human trafficking operation in Kingsport.

Special Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation along with the Kingsport Police Department, 2^ndJudicial District Drug Task Force, Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the undercover operation to identify potential victims of trafficking and arrest those seeking to purchase illicit sex from a juvenile. The Kingsport anti-trafficking operation, called “Operation Someone Like Me”, is the 10^th of its kind in the state between the TBI and partner agencies to help identify, investigate, and prosecute trafficking.

“Many still think this is something that just happens in big cities. The results of this operation prove that’s not the case,” says TBI Director Mark Gwyn. “We want our message to be very clear: Law enforcement officers across the state are watching, and we are working together to stop those trying to buy and sell our children for sex.”

The operation took place July 31^st- August 3^rd with the first three days focusing entirely on targeting those attempting to purchase illicit sex from minors. Over the three-day period, undercover Special Agents posing as juvenile girls posted ads on Backpage.com. As a result, Agents received numerous texts and phone calls from men across Tennessee and in surrounding states. A total of eleven men responded and paid to have sex with an underage female. Those arrested include a local coach, a church youth leader, an emergency medical technician, and an Uber driver.

“We have no tolerance for those who would victimize the most vulnerable in our society,” says TBI Deputy Director Jason Locke. “We will continue to conduct these operations across the state and do whatever it takes to bring those trafficking women and children, as well as those supplying the demand, to justice.”

"Human trafficking is a growing problem in our nation, and in the State of Tennessee. East Tennessee is no exception,” says Kingsport Police Chief David Quillin. “It is our hope that through partnerships with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement entities, the Kingsport Police Department can help bring those individuals who engage in this unspeakable crime to justice."

With the assistance of the nonprofit agency Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking, the fourth day of the operation focused on identifying potential victims of trafficking. One woman was cited and offered services, including housing and counseling. She took advantage of those services and has been placed in transitional housing.

Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally visited the operation and was able to witness some of the transactions. "I would like to commend the TBI and its partnering law enforcement agencies for their outstanding work on this operation,” says Lt. Governor Randy McNally. "Operations like these make clear that Tennessee is committed to ending human trafficking and sex slavery within our borders. The message to those participating in this scourge is unequivocal: You will be found. You will be caught. And you will be prosecuted."

In 2015, Governor Bill Haslam signed legislation into law giving TBI original jurisdiction over human trafficking investigations. Additionally, the General Assembly approved funding for four Special Agents, who work exclusively to investigate human trafficking cases and train law enforcement statewide on recognizing and combating this type of crime. These four Special Agents, who have now completed their tenth operation across the state, have arrested or cited more than 200 individuals during that time.

ASAC Robert Hammer, who oversees Homeland Security Investigation’s operations in Tennessee says, “HSI Tennessee is proud to once again partner with TBI as we jointly combat human trafficking in Tennessee.  These operations target those looking to prey on the community’s youth, but it also serves to get the victims of human trafficking off the street so they can receive the services and protections which they are entitled to. HSI will continue to apply our immigration authority to maximize the effectiveness of these operations.”

Earlier this year, as part of its commitment to address this issue, the TBI began the second phase of the public awareness campaign “ITHasToStop,” which includes awareness billboards, online resources, public service announcements, and contact information for nonprofits who work with survivors of human trafficking. Visit www.ITHasToStop.com for additional details.

KINGSPORT “OPERATION SOMEONE LIKE ME” STATS

Since “Operation Someone Like Me” began in May 2015, there have been over 200 arrests/ citations.

The investigation was conducted in Brentwood, Clarksville, Jackson, Chattanooga (twice, once in conjunction with Georgia Bureau of Investigation), Knoxville, Nashville, Morristown, Memphis, Dyersburg, and Kingsport.

As a result of “Operation Someone Like Me” in Kingsport, 12 individuals were charged, including 11 men and 1 woman.

Those arrested during the operation are below. One individual indicted as part of the investigation has not yet been arrested.

*Gregory W. Hart, DOB 12/21/55, Johnson City, TN - Trafficking a Person for a Commercial Sex Act (A Felony). $100,000 bond.

*Bradley C. Laws, DOB 1/10/75, Green Mountain, NC – Trafficking a Person for a Commercial Sex Act (A Felony) and Trafficking a Person for a Commercial Sex Act (B Felony). $100,000 bond.

*Samuel Adam McMurry, DOB 9/20/94, Johnson City, TN - Trafficking a Person for a Commercial Sex Act (A Felony) and Trafficking a Person for a Commercial Sex Act (B Felony). $100,000 bond.

*Brandon R. Summey, (DOB 8/3/85), Kingsport, TN - Trafficking a Person for a Commercial Sex Act (B Felony). $75,000 bond.

*Jose Alejandro Rivero, DOB 11/22/97, Elizabethton, TN - Trafficking a Person for a Commercial Sex Act (B Felony). $75,000 bond.

*Joseph D. Miller, DOB 5/12/80, Bristol, TN - Trafficking a Person for a Commercial Sex Act (A Felony) and Trafficking a Person for a Commercial Sex Act (B Felony). $100,000 bond.

*Israel Cueva Morales, DOB 8/8/95, Johnson City, TN - Trafficking a Person for a Commercial Sex Act (A Felony). $100,000 bond.

*Matthew S. Still, DOB 12/4/86, Jonesborough, TN - Trafficking a Person for a Commercial Sex Act (A Felony), Trafficking a Person for a Commercial Sex Act (B Felony), and Sexual Battery. $125,000 bond.

*Christopher K. Ginley, DOB 4/5/96, Jonesborough, TN - Trafficking a Person for a Commercial Sex Act (A Felony) and Trafficking a Person for a Commercial Sex Act (B Felony). $100,000 bond.

*Kevin J. White, DOB 4/21/73, Kingsport, TN - Trafficking a Person for a Commercial Sex Act (B Felony). $10,000 bond.

*Maegen J. Manis, DOB 9/22/87, Kingsport, TN – Prostitution. This individual was cited and will have her booking photo taken at the time she is processed.