ANTIOCH, Tenn. — Five men were arrested in connection with a suspected sex trafficking brothel in Antioch, Tennessee, after authorities executed a federal search warrant at a residence on Hobson Pike. The operation, which was conducted by the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), resulted in the seizure of significant evidence linking the property to human trafficking and prostitution.
The search on the morning of February 21 targeted a 5-acre property on Hobson Pike where investigators discovered that the upstairs area of the residence had been converted into multiple small rooms allegedly used for prostitution. Officials say the investigation suggests a brothel operation had been ongoing at the property.
The arrested men and their charges include:
Gianfranco Augusto Barazarte-Morales, 31 — Promoting prostitution, felony marijuana possession, and evading arrest. He was also wanted in connection with a September 17 shooting that took place at a suspected brothel on Mt. View Road in Antioch.
Felix Rafael Ortega, 27 — Promoting prostitution, evading arrest, felony marijuana possession, and felony possession of Tusi (a dangerous combination of cocaine, ecstasy, and fentanyl).
Elmer Humberto Aparicio-Castillo, 27 — Promoting prostitution, evading arrest, felony marijuana possession, and felony gun possession (officers recovered a semi-automatic pistol near his arrest site).
Idenis Alexander Sanchez-Paredes, 22 — Promoting prostitution, felony marijuana possession, evading arrest, and criminal impersonation.
Wilfredo Jose Mata-Fornerino, 37 — Promoting prostitution, felony marijuana possession, and evading arrest.
During the search of the property, law enforcement seized business cards, ledgers, and other items promoting prostitution. Authorities also found a pound of marijuana at the location.
When officers executed the search warrant, all five suspects attempted to flee. Two of the suspects ran across Hobson Pike, causing authorities to temporarily shut down the road. The men were later apprehended without further incident.
The investigation into this operation is ongoing, and officials are continuing to act on federal leads. Authorities believe these individuals may have been involved in additional brothel operations across the area. The federal investigation is being led by HSI Nashville, and MNPD reports that this operation had been under investigation for several months, following numerous leads.
MNPD spokesman Don Aaron confirmed there is no immediate danger to the community and that MNPD and federal agencies have been working together diligently since last year to build their case. The investigation is expected to continue, and further details will be shared in the coming weeks.
