NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A pastor and Army lieutenant were among the at least 14 people charged in a recent week-long human trafficking operation led by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) called Operation Someone Like Me.
TBI said they worked with police departments from both Brentwood and Clarksville as well as End Slavery Tennessee, an organization that aims to promote healing of human trafficking survivors and confront slavery across the state.
The 14 people arrested, which include a pastor, Army lieutenant, farmer and small business owner, each face prostitution-related charges.
Among those arrested and cited in Clarksville are:
Sergio Baltazar, 29, Clarksvile
Devereaux Fields, 24, Clarksville
Christopher Kendrick, 24, Clarksville
Devin McLean, 21, Fort Campbell, Ky.
Daniel Peters, 29, Clarksville
Michael Reid, 46, Clarksville
KeRalos Sanders, 32, Oak Grove, Ky.
Stephen Shaw, 56, Paducah, Ky.
Paul Wengerd, 47, Paris
Rodney Wilson, 29, Clarksville
Mariah Miller, 24, Clarksville
Among those arrested and cited in Brentwood are:
Marisa Thomas, 20
Kiersten Napodano, 21
Authorities also identified several young women who may be victims of human trafficking. One young woman was referred to End Slavery Tennessee.
Earlier this week, Governor Bill Haslam signed legislation giving TBI original jurisdiction over investigations of human trafficking.
The state also approved funding for four special agents who will work exclusively to investigate human trafficking cases and train law enforcement across the state to recognize the signs and combat the crime.
“The time is now,” said TBI Director Mark Gwyn. “Lives are at stake at this very moment. We will be the agency – and the state – to do everything possible to make a difference.”
Visit www.ITHasToStop.com for more information.