HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (TBI) — A multi-agency human trafficking operation in Chattanooga has led to the arrest of four individuals, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).
The joint effort, conducted between May 30 and June 1, involved the TBI, Chattanooga Police, Soddy-Daisy Police, and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. The operation was designed to target individuals attempting to engage in commercial sex acts with minors and to identify victims of human trafficking.
As a result of the undercover sting, the following suspects were arrested and booked into the Hamilton County Jail:
Thomas Leighton (DOB: 09/26/1959), Soddy Daisy:
Charge: Trafficking for a Commercial Sex Act
Bond: $20,000
Brandon Moates (DOB: 11/09/1997), Chattanooga:
Charges:
Unlawful Carrying or Possession of a Weapon
Manufacture, Delivery, Sale, Possession of Methamphetamine
Schedule II Drug Violations
Simple Possession/Casual Exchange
Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia
Bond: $13,000
Tommy Puyear (DOB: 06/06/1973), Rossville, GA:
Charges:
Solicitation of a Minor
Two counts of Unlawful Carrying or Possession of a Weapon
Manufacture, Delivery, Sale, Possession of Methamphetamine
Schedule II Drug Violations
Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia
Bond: $20,000
Westin Stansell (DOB: 08/22/1996), Chattanooga:
Charge: Solicitation of a Minor
Bond: $15,000
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and further arrests or charges may follow.
