12 Arrested in TBI’s online child exploitation operation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has arrested a dozen people for online child exploitation and sextortion.

The TBI conducted a three-month investigation dubbed Operation Protecting Tomorrow, working across 21 counties in the state.

Their mission was to identify and locate child victims of sexual exploitation and sextortion. They also arrested those with the intent of harming children online.

The TBI identified and located 18 child victims in Tennessee. Those victims were reported through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children cyber tips. TBI said it found one victim in Alabama.

Authorities identified and rescued five total victims. Agents are still trying to find 22 other child victims between the ages of 11 and 17.

The TBI arrested the following people in Operation Protecting Tomorrow.

• John Vincent, 53, Murfreesboro: Sexual exploitation of a minor (x2).
• Courtney Staggs, 29, Jamestown: Aggravated rape of a child, aggravated sexual battery, especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor (x6), aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor (x6).
• Cody Wilson, 31, Columbia: Solicitation of a minor, soliciting sexual exploitation of a minor- exploitation of a minor by electronic means.
• Kyle Shaddon, 28, Paris: Sexual exploitation of a minor (x3).
• Justin Farris, 41, Paris: Especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor.
• Marcus Puryear, 47, Somerville: Sexual exploitation of a minor (x20), aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor (x20).
• Shawn Steven, 32, Decatur: Sexual exploitation of a minor (x5).
• Cody Gunter, 29, Niota: Sexual exploitation of a minor, solicitation of a minor.
• Johnathan Curtis, 32, McMinnville: Sexual exploitation of a minor.
• Clifton Johnston, 38, McMinnville: Sexual exploitation of a minor.
• Garry Alford, 42, McMinnville: Sexual exploitation of a minor .
• Ernest Brown, 45, Paris: Sexual exploitation of a minor (x6), aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor (x2).

Row 1 (L-R): Vincent, Staggs, Wilson, Shaddon | Row 2 (L-R): Farris, Puryear, Steven, Gunter | Row 3 (L-R): Curtis, Johnston, Alford, Brown. TBI

The TBI said there may be more arrests in this investigation.

“The massive volume of vile images and videos our agents uncovered – and the number of suspects identified, and victims helped during this operation – should trouble every Tennessean,” said TBI Director David Rausch. “The internet is a dangerous place, full of predators looking for their next young victim. We’re doing our part at TBI, but every parent, grandparent, and caregiver must also be vigilant. Help your children know the dangers and know what to do if they’re scared, confused, or asked to do the wrong thing online.”