Nine people arrested in undercover operation in Tennessee

TENNESSEE — A two-day undercover operation targeting human trafficking in the Hendersonville area has led to the arrest of nine individuals, authorities announced Monday.

The joint effort involved the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Human Trafficking Unit, Hendersonville Police Department, Sumner County Sheriff’s Office, the 18th Judicial Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Office of 18th Judicial District Attorney General Ray Whitley.

On April 11 and 12, investigators posted decoy advertisements on websites known for connections to prostitution and sex trafficking.

The goal was to identify individuals attempting to engage in commercial sex acts with minors.

The operation resulted in the following arrests, with all suspects booked into the Sumner County Jail:

• Vincent Billingsley, 29, of Memphis: Promoting Prostitution, Simple Possession – Schedule VI
• Steven Cannon, 51, of Charlotte: Promoting Prostitution
• Jerry Delp, 67, of Westmoreland: Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor
• Morgan Garrett, 38, of Cordova: Promoting Prostitution
• James Jones, 42, of Gallatin: Solicitation of a Minor, Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
• Trinity Knutson, 20, of Conway, AR: Prostitution
• Carlynn McIntosh, 28, of Goodlettsville: Prostitution
• Druce Phillips, 20, of Nashville: Two counts of Patronizing Prostitution from a Minor
• Mahicol Rivas, 35, of Nashville: Promoting Prostitution

In addition to the arrests, two potential victims of human trafficking were identified and recovered.

They have been offered services through Thistle Farms and AncoraTN, organizations that support trafficking survivors.

For more information on human trafficking and resources available in Tennessee, visit www.ITHasToStop.com.

Authorities emphasize that all individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.