Agents arrest 3 in Cleveland area, 11 in Chattanooga area during human trafficking operations

Agents arrest 3 in Cleveland during human trafficking operation-

From Local 3 News: Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) agents helped arrest three people in Hamilton County during an undercover human trafficking operation.

This operation was focused in the Cleveland area, aimed at rescuing victims of human trafficking and arresting those trying to engage in sexual acts with minors.

Authorities arrested the following people on August 19:

• James Bedford (DOB 8/4/1972), Clearwater, FL: one count of Patronizing Prostitution. No bond.
• Pedro Garcia (DOB 2/20/1999), Cleveland, TN: one count of Patronizing Prostitution. No bond.
• Muhammad Ozair Khan (DOB 8/21/1996) Chattanooga, TN: one count of Patronizing Prostitution. Bond: $2,500.

This was a joint operation by the TBI's Human Trafficking Unit, the Tennessee Human Trafficking Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Collegedale Police Department, Cleveland Police Department, Bradley County Sheriff's Office, Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, the 10th Judicial District Attorney's Office, and the 11th Judicial District Attorney's Office.

If you need assistance or more information on trafficking, visit the TBI's ItHasToStop.com.

A few days later, on August 21, these agencies took on a separate operation in Collegedale.

This was also a human trafficking sting, resulting in the arrest of 11 other individuals.


11 arrested in Chattanooga area human trafficking investigation-

A human trafficking investigation resulted in the arrest of 11 people in Collegedale, TN. Federal, state, and local law enforcement contributed to the operation.
 
Eight of the 11 people arrested in Collegedale were attempting to engage in sexually activity with children, according to Collegedale police.

Eight men were arrested out of Chattanooga, one from Ringgold, one in Ooltewah, and one from Texas.
 
This was part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) "Operation Enduring Justice." 
The Collegedale Police Department, FBI, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's Human Trafficking Task Force, Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, and Hamilton County District Attorney's Office partnered in this investigation.

These organizations worked to rescue victims of trafficking, and identify and arrest those seeking to exploit minors.
 
The 11 people arrested and their charges: 

• Monquel Deomiquce Hughes, Chattanooga, TN — Solicitation of a Minor, Patronizing Prostitution, Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.
• Emerald Starr House, Chattanooga, TN — Patronizing Prostitution.
• Crawford James Higdon, Chattanooga, TN — Solicitation of a Minor, Patronizing Prostitution.
• Alejandro Lopez De La Cruz, Chattanooga, TN — Solicitation of a Minor, Patronizing Prostitution.
• Juan Castillo Huerta, Ooltewah, TN — Patronizing Prostitution, Possession of Schedule II Drug, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
• Smit Kanei Chaudhari, Chattanooga, TN — Solicitation of a Minor, Patronizing Prostitution.
• Areal Ramos Reinoso, Chattanooga, TN — Solicitation of a Minor, Patronizing Prostitution.
• Tiffany Marie Roberts, Chattanooga, TN — Patronizing Prostitution, Possession of Schedule IV Drug.
• Andrew Shawn Hamer, Chattanooga, TN — Solicitation of a Minor, Patronizing Prostitution, Possession of Schedule IV Drug, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
• Mustafa Kamil Awda, Houston, TX — Solicitation of a Minor, Patronizing Prostitution.
• Christopher Jimenez Santana, Ringgold, GA — Solicitation of a Minor, Patronizing Prostitution.

“This type of exploitation is one of the most heinous crimes in our society,” said Collegedale Police Chief Jack Sapp. “We will remain relentless in pursuing those who prey on children. Let this serve as a warning: if you attempt to harm the most vulnerable, we will find you, we will stop you, and you will face justice. Protecting children will always be one of this department’s highest priorities.”