Tennessee - A recent undercover investigation in East Tennessee has led to the arrest of four individuals tied to suspected sex trafficking operations—underscoring a statewide crisis. Special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Human Trafficking Unit, working alongside the Johnson City Police Department’s Special Victims Unit, launched the probe after a tip was received through the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline. The complaint pointed to suspicious activity at two Johnson City businesses: Mi Mi’s Foot Massage on Princeton Road and Aroma Therapy Spa.

Following the investigation, four individuals were arrested and booked into the Washington County Detention Center. Hanmei Zhao, Chunhua Wang, and Tang Yingping face charges including impersonating a licensed professional, exposure of erogenous areas, and prostitution, each held on $7,000 bond. Manmei Wang was charged with impersonation and promoting prostitution, with bond set at $6,000. Authorities say the investigation remains active and ongoing.

While these arrests mark a significant step in East Tennessee’s fight against trafficking, officials warn that Middle Tennessee remains one of the state’s most vulnerable regions. Rutherford and Davidson Counties are particularly at risk due to their proximity to major interstates and the high volume of air traffic through Nashville International Airport (BNA), making the area a prime corridor for traffickers.

Local law enforcement continues to work with state and federal partners to dismantle trafficking networks and protect victims. Residents are urged to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity, as the battle against human trafficking is not confined to distant cities—it’s unfolding right here in our own communities. In fact, did you realize that Rutherford and Davidson counties are two of the major trafficking areas. That's because of the large number of interstates that go through this area, coupled with the fact that Tennessee's largest number of airline passengers fly into BNA. 

Stay tuned, NewsRadio WGNS will keep you informed. 

DISCLAIMER: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The arrest records or information about an arrest that are published or reported on NewsRadio WGNS and www.WGNSradio.com are not an indication of guilt or evidence that an actual crime has been committed.