TBI and GBI Arrest More than 30 People in Undercover Trafficking Operation

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) – Approximately 35 men and women are now behind bars after the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) joined forces with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), and several other law enforcement agencies, including the Dalton Police Department, to kick off Operation Watchful Guardians.

Operation Watchful Guardians targeted predators who tried to traffic children for sex, or pay for sex, whether online or on the street.

The undercover operation lasted for more than a two day period. Those arrested range in ages 19 to 43, and traveled mostly from areas around Dalton and Chattanooga. Some even came from as far as Gwinnett County in Georgia to meet a child for sex.

“There’s nothing more important than protecting children,” said the spokesmen from GBI, “There’s not a worse crime then someone who sells a child for sex or attempts to have sex with a child.”

Officials from both the GBI and TBI said Operation Watchful Guardians may have been their first joint operation, but it certainly won’t be there last.