Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director Mark Gwyn joined Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Vernon Keenan to announce the results of a three-day, multi-state effort to combat human trafficking and the online exploitation of children in Tennessee and Georgia.
The agencies conducted “Operation Watchful Guardians”.
According to TBI Director Mark Gwyn, the results of “Operation Watchful Guardians” further demonstrate that partnerships among law enforcement are critical in combating these demand-driven crimes. During the operation, 168 different men contacted undercover Agents depicted in three online advertisements. Agents arrested 16 men attempting to purchase sex from a prostitute. Agents also arrested four women advertised as prostitutes. The efforts also resulted in a gun seizure with armor-piercing rounds, as well as drugs and drug paraphernalia. Those arrested included persons from four states ranging in age from 25 to 62, some with active warrants and on active probation.
With the assistance of nonprofit agencies End Slavery Tennessee and Second Life Chattanooga, the undercover operation also identified potential victims of trafficking. These women were offered services provided by the nonprofits that include housing, counseling, and addiction treatment.
Those arrested and cited for prostitution-related offenses, enhanced because of the location’s proximity to a school, by the Chattanooga Police Department included:
Anthony Wagner, 45, Decherd, TN.
Area Man Charged in “Operation Watchful Guardians”
