Ariel Mansell
Bradley County Sheriff Eric Watson said he has launched Operation Clean Sweep as an aggressive campaign against drugs, prostitution and similar crimes.
The sheriff's office said, "Initial efforts led to a number of charges against people from other states who conducted criminal enterprises inside Bradley County. At least one person involved was from the state of New York. Officers came into contact with a number of people involved in the sale and transportation of illegal narcotics such as crystal meth, marijuana and more during the initial phase of Operation Clean Sweep. Multiple cases have been made involving methamphetamine. A number of criminal citations have been issued, while, so far, 11 more people involved in the sale, delivery and possession of drugs, or charged with prostitution and/or other offenses will face indictments from a Grand Jury.
"Among the criminal activities the sheriff highlighted is the problem of prostitution, which he says has been overlooked in Bradley County for several years prior to Sept. 1.
"On Friday evening, two women from Chattanooga were charged with prostitution as a part of Operation Clean Sweep. The two, identified as Ariel Mansell, 24 and Chambria Redding, 19, were charged after undercover officers set up a meeting at Cleveland’s I-75 Exit 20 using a website known for promoting illegal activities such as prostitution. Ms. Mansell was additionally charged with possession of a firearm with the Intent to go armed. Both were booked into the Bradley County Jail.
"Illegal use of prescription drugs is also a major target by Bradley County officers in the ongoing effort, as a majority of those cited or charged were in possession of medications not legally prescribed to them. Sheriff Watson strongly emphasized that Operation Clean Sweep is an ongoing, aggressive effort to clean out criminal activity in Bradley County."
Sheriff Watson said, "The sale of illegal drugs simply won’t be tolerated. One of my main points in seeking the office of sheriff was to deal swiftly and strongly with illegal drugs. Drugs breed burglaries and thefts, as well as prostitution and human trafficking. We are especially vigilant due to the fact I-75 runs north and south through Bradley County. Human trafficking is a serious and dangerous criminal enterprise that is world-wide and has been evident in our area in recent years.
“This is an ongoing criminal investigation. More arrests will be made involving illegal drug sales, prostitution and other illegal activity. There is no such thing as a victimless crime.”