MIDDLE TENNESSEE (WGNS) - The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says its work to uncover sex trafficking in Middle Tennessee is far from slowing down. This week, a multi‑agency operation in Sumner County led to five arrests and the identification of nine possible victims. The two‑day effort, held June 11 and 12, brought together TBI’s Human Trafficking Unit, the Tennessee Human Trafficking Task Force, the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office, Hendersonville Police, the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security, and the IRS.
Investigators focused on recovering victims and interrupting trafficking activity in the region. By the end of the operation, five men were taken into custody on charges of Promoting Prostitution and booked into the Sumner County Jail. Those arrested include Duany Rodriguez‑Pena of Cape Coral, Florida; Alinson Ramirez of La Vergne; Lazaro Rodriguez‑Santos of Miami; Kasin Barnes of Gallatin; and Christopher Torres of Hendersonville. Bonds ranged from $60,000 to $1 million.
Nine individuals believed to be potential victims were offered support services through Thistle Farms, a Nashville‑based organization that specializes in helping survivors of trafficking. Skull Games and Our Rescue were also on site to assist law enforcement with victim identification and outreach.
The TBI notes that Middle Tennessee continues to generate the highest number of trafficking‑related calls and tips in the state. Recent statewide reports show hundreds of cases each year, with minors making up a growing share of the victims. Interstate corridors, hotel clusters, and online platforms remain the most common environments for trafficking activity, and officials say the crime often overlaps with drugs, violence, and organized criminal networks.
While the arrests mark progress, investigators emphasize that the work is ongoing. Trafficking in the midstate is active, complex, and often hidden in plain sight. The TBI encourages the public to learn the signs and report concerns, noting that increased awareness is one of the strongest tools communities have.
More information about trafficking in Tennessee and the state’s efforts to combat it can be found at ITHasToStop.com.
