SODDY-DAISY, Tenn. — Five individuals were arrested during a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) undercover operation targeting online human trafficking in Soddy-Daisy. Conducted on April 26, the sting aimed to identify predators soliciting minors for sex and to locate and assist potential trafficking victims.
TBI agents posted decoy ads on websites known for commercial sex activity. The operation resulted in the arrest and booking of five people into the Hamilton County Jail:
Scott Elliot, 36, of Ringgold, GA – Charged with one count of Trafficking for a Commercial Sex Act. Bond: $65,000.
Misty Harden, 42, of Chattanooga – Charged with Aggravated Prostitution and Possession of Schedule II drugs. Bond: $45,000.
Hector Mendoza, 31, of Chattanooga – Charged with Solicitation of a Minor and Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor. Bond: $60,000.
Darwin Patterson, 51, of Chattanooga – Charged with Promoting Prostitution. Bond: $30,000.
Daris Eubanks, 49, of Soddy-Daisy – Charged with Solicitation of a Minor and Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor. Bond: $60,000.
Additionally, two potential victims of trafficking were identified and are now receiving recovery services through WillowBend Farms, a nonprofit that aids survivors.
The TBI emphasized its ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and dismantling trafficking networks across Tennessee.
