Alcoa Police Prostitution Sting Leads to Seven Arrests, Identifies Two Victims of Human Trafficking
On July 19 and 20, 2024, the Alcoa Police Department (APD) Criminal Investigations Section conducted a prostitution sting as a continual effort to combat prostitution and intercept human trafficking in the City of Alcoa. During the prostitution and human trafficking enforcement operation, APD Officers and Detectives identified nine subjects engaging in prostitution, two of which were identified as human trafficking victims.
Alcoa Police Chief David Carswell says, “We do these operations to drive home the message that prostitution and human trafficking will not be tolerated. We want our community to be safe. And for those individuals that choose to engage in this activity in the City of Alcoa, let this sting be a warning that you could be caught in future operations.”
Chief Carswell adds, “It’s a myth that prostitution is a victimless crime, and this operation is proof of that because we identified two individuals as victims of human trafficking. Those that are victims of human trafficking, we are here for you. We want to ensure your safety and assist you in safely getting help.”
If you, or someone you know, is a victim of human trafficking, please see the below resource for help:
Tennessee State Human Trafficking Hotline: 1(855) 558-6484 or visit https://www.tn.gov/.../crime-issues/human-trafficking.html
For the protection of the human trafficking victims, the APD is not releasing information about their identities.
For questions, please contact the APD at (865) 981-4111.