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Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Yahoo
Two-day, Tennessee undercover operation on human trafficking nets nine arrests, charges
A two-day, joint undercover operation led by state and local law enforcement and aimed at addressing human trafficking in the Hendersonville area has led to the arrest of nine people. On April 11 and 12, officers working in the sting placed decoy advertisements on websites linked to prostitution and sex trafficking with the focus of identifying people trying to hire minors for commercial sex acts, authorities said in a news release. The following suspects were charged and booked into the Sumner County Jail as part of the sting: Vincent Hozie Billingsley, 30, of Memphis, Tennessee. Steven Mitchell Cannon Jr., 51, of Charlotte, Tennessee. Jerry Edward Delp, 68, of Westmoreland, Tennessee. Morgan Garrett, 38, of Cordova, Tennessee. James Julious Jones, 43, of Gallatin, Tennessee. Trinity Elu Knutson, 20, of Conway, Arkansas. Carlynn Evon McIntosh, 28, of Goodlettsville, Tennessee. Druce Niverlle Phillips Jr., 21, of Nashville, Tennessee. Mahicol Jesus Maurera Rivas, 35, of Nashville, Tennessee. Billingsley faces one count of promoting prostitution, one count of simple possession Schedule VI and one count of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. He was given a $110,000 bond. Cannon faces one count of promoting prostitution. His bond was set at $55,000. Delp faces one count of patronizing prostitution of a minor. His bond was set at $75,000. Garrett faces one count of promoting prostitution. Her bond was set at $80,000. Jones faces one count of solicitation of a minor and one count of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor. His bond was set at $85,000. Knutson faces one count of prostitution. Her bond was set at $5,000. McIntosh faces one count of prostitution. Her bond was set at $12,500. Phillips faces two counts of patronizing prostitution from a minor. His bond was set at $25,000. Rivas faces one count of promoting prostitution. His bond was set at $130,000. Court hearings are scheduled in Sumner County General Sessions Court for all nine suspects later this month. Investigators also worked to identify potential victims of human trafficking as part of the 2-day operation, and two people were reportedly identified as potential victims, recovered and offered services through human trafficking victim service organizations like Thistle Farms and AncoraTN, the release said. The multi-agency operation was led by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's Human Trafficking Unit, Hendersonville Police Department, Sumner County Sheriff's Office, members of the 18th Judicial Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations and Office of 18th Judicial District Attorney General Ray Whitley. For more information about human trafficking or to report a human trafficking tip, visit Katie Nixon can be reached at knixon@ This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Cops: Tennessee human trafficking op ends in 9 arrests, victims aided
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Yahoo
Ink of Hope Act passes Tennessee General Assembly
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tattoo artists in Tennessee will soon have a new training requirement to recognize and help stop human trafficking. The Tennessee General Assembly has passed the Ink of Hope Act, sponsored by State Rep. Mary Littleton (R-Dickson). The measure passed the House of Representatives on Monday, March 3, following passage in the Senate on Feb. 20. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee for his signature. The soon-to-be law requires tattoo shop operators and artists to complete up to one hour of training on recognizing and reporting signs of human trafficking. PREVIOUS: The Ink of Hope Act adds anti-human trafficking training to TN tattoo artists 'Traffickers often brand their victims with tattoos and The Ink of Hope Act ensures tattoo artists are educated and equipped to report vital information to authorities without intervening themselves,' Littleton said. 'I'm grateful to my colleagues in the general assembly for supporting this potentially lifesaving legislation.' Starting Jan. 1, 2026, tattoo artists renewing their licenses will be required to watch a short, accredited video on the signs of human trafficking and how to safely report it to authorities. The act also includes protections for artists, ensuring they are not held liable by the state or courts for their decision to report or not report human trafficking, according to Littleton. Tennessee is the first state to pass such legislation requiring a formalized training program like this, though Nebraska and Wisconsin have awareness programs in place, according to Littleton's office. According to Littleton, the inspiration for the legislation came from her work on the Human Trafficking Advisory Council, the Second Look Commission and multiple conversations with nonprofits like Thistle Farms, which helps survivors rebuild their lives. 'We are beyond grateful to the survivors and advocates whose lived experience influenced this legislation and to Rep. Littleton, Sen. Massey, and the entire Tennessee General Assembly for their sweeping support of The Ink of Hope Act,' Thistle Farms CEO Tasha Kennard said. 'This bill is one more way that Tennessee will continue to lead the nation in the fight against human trafficking, letting the world know that we believe every person's dignity matters.' Once signed into law, tattoo artists will be responsible for completing the training for all renewals beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
