11 arrested in Tennessee human trafficking operation

March 14, 2023

Courtney Goins,

Johnathan Campbell

Courtesy: TBI
James Samples

Courtesy: TBI
Isaac Addo

Courtesy: TBI
George Lopez

Courtesy: TBI
Casey Miller

Courtesy: TBI
Adonius Fields

Courtesy: TBI
Stacy Harrington

Courtesy: TBI
Ismael Villa Arzate

Courtesy: TBI
Paul Alley

Courtesy: TBI
Carlos Perez-Jose

Courtesy: TBI
Bruce Byrd

Courtesy: TBI

BRISTON, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation arrested 11 men for human trafficking. These men are all accused of seeking illicit sex from minors, the TBI said.

The undercover operation started on March 9 and lasted two days. Its goal was to address human trafficking in Northeast Tennessee, according to the TBI.

The TBI said authorities placed decoy advertisements on websites that are known to be linked to prostitution and commercial sex.

Authorities were looking to identify those seeking to engage in commercial sex acts with minors.

These men face various charges, including solicitation of a minor, patronizing prostitution of a minor, unlawful drug paraphernalia and simple possession.

The TBI released the names of those arrested, as well as where they are from:

Johnathan Michael Campbell – Johnson City, Tennessee.
James Stephen Samples – Hurricane, West Virginia.
Isaac Darko Addo – Johnson City, Tennessee.
George Chavez Lopez – Morristown, Tennessee.
Casey Aaron Miller – Boone, North Carolina.
Adonius Deondre Fields – Johnson City, Tennessee.
Stacy Ray Harrington – Blountville, Tennessee.
Ismael Villa Arzate – Weaverville, North Carolina.
Paul Brandon Alley – Hellier, Kentucky.
Carlos Perez-Jose – Johnson City, Tennessee.
Bruce M. Byrd – Spartanburg, South Carolina.

In addition, all 11 men were booked into the Sullivan County Jail.

Courtesy: TBI

“Because of the hard work and determination of the officers involved in this investigation and others like them who serve our community, the predators driving the demand for human trafficking can no longer hide in the shadows of the internet,” said Bristol Tennessee Police Department Chief, Matt Austin. “This operation sends the strong message that we remain vigilant and committed to the safety of our children. Be assured that the Bristol Tennessee Police Department will continue to commit its full resources to protecting our children and making sure those who harm or exploit them are held accountable.”

The TBI Human Trafficking Unit, Bristol Police Department, 2nd Judicial District Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations and the 2nd Judicial District Attorney General’s Office all took part in this investigation.

You can learn more about law enforcement’s actions to fight human trafficking at ITHasToStop.com.