Arrests Of 14 Men In Chattanooga On Commercial Sex Charges Was 2-Day Undercover Operation By TBI, Homeland Security, Chattanooga Police

The arrests of 14 men in Chattanooga over a two-day period was an undercover operation by Special Agents with the TBI Human Trafficking Unit and Task Force, the Chattanooga Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations, the TBI said.

 

It resulted in the arrest of 14 men accused of seeking illicit sex from minors, including Andy Bagenstoss, the top bail bonding company owner in Tennessee.

 

TBI officials said, "Over a two-day period beginning December 9th, as part of an undercover investigation aimed at addressing human trafficking in East Tennessee, authorities placed several decoy advertisements on websites known to be linked to prostitution and commercial sex cases.

The focus of the operation was to identify individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts with minors.

 

"As a result of the operation, detectives and agents arrested 14 men and booked them into the Hamilton County Jail:"

 

*Gregory Joiner (DOB 7/12/60), Chattanooga:  Trafficking for Commercial Sex Act

 

*Thomas "Andy" Baggenstoss (DOB 3/6/77), Knoxville: Trafficking for Commercial Sex Act

 

*Rubelino Velasquez Salas (DOB 1/6/89), Chattanooga: Trafficking for Commercial Sex Act

 

*William Fugate (DOB 8/18/76), Riceville: Trafficking for Commercial Sex Act

 

*Jerome Stewart (DOB 10/17/95) Chattanooga: Trafficking for Commercial Sex Act, Possession of Marijuana

 

*Michael Scarlett (DOB 3/3/98), Houston, TX: Trafficking for Commercial Sex Act

 

*Khadim Gueye (DOB 9/26/87), Chattanooga, TN: Trafficking for Commercial Sex Act

 

*Sibley Evans (DOB 7/10/77), Lupton City: Trafficking for Commercial Sex Act

 

*Aurelio Hernandez (DOB 9/25/88), Roanoke, VA: Trafficking for Commercial Sex Act

 

*Thomas Cochran (DOB 4/27/78), Carrollton, GA: Trafficking for Commercial Sex Act, Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

 

*Nicholas Underwood (DOB 9/9/99), Cohutta, GA: Trafficking for Commercial Sex Act, Possession of a Firearm While in Commission of a Felony

 

*Bersain Velasquez (DOB 5/24/79), Chattanooga: Trafficking for Commercial Sex Act

 

*Qu’darius Smith (DOB 12/10/97), Chattanooga: Trafficking for Commercial Sex Act, Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana

 

*Nelvin Cruz-Cruz (DOB 2/17/72), Lilburn, GA: Trafficking for Commercial Sex Act

 

Part of the operation also focused on identifying potential victims of trafficking. One adult woman was offered services such as housing and counseling through Grow Free Tennessee, a program of the Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking, and Willowbend Farms.

 

Those participating in the operation also included the Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking, and Willowbend Farms.

 

Information about human trafficking and TBI’s efforts to address this type of crime can be found online at www.ITHasToStop.com.

 

Officials of Willowbend Farms in Cleveland said, "This week, WillowBend Farms had the honor of collaborating with and working alongside authorities from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Chattanooga Police Department and Homeland Security Investigation in a special undercover operation, over a two-day period beginning December 9th, aimed at addressing human trafficking in East Tennessee.

 

"During this undercover operation, 14 men were arrested and accused of seeking illicit sex from minors. Our team, with assistance from Grow Free, was able to provide services to two adult victims and one juvenile. Our involvement gave us an opportunity to witness the work of our prevention efforts at work and impacting lives in our community and region. This one sting operation is an active representation of the hundreds of thousands of trafficking cases across the country that have yet to be brought to light."

 

Sarah McKinnis Willowbend Farms founder and president, said, “As an organization, we hope this serves as an example that will reveal the continued importance of our prevention efforts in local schools, businesses, churches and communities.

 

“Our most strategic tool is to further educate children, parents, educators and the community at large; empowerment with information is what raises awareness and can make a difference. We continue to stand in solidarity and thank God for those who have been brought to safety and those who will be in the future.

 

”If you are interested in contributing to our efforts, please consider donating to one of our current projects at www.willowbendfarms.kindful.com. We ask that you also consider participating in our annual Run For Their Freedom virtual 5k/1 mile walk now through January 11, 2021. For more information on our 5k, please visit:

 

https//runsignup.com/Race/TN/Cleveland/RunforTheirFreedom5k