Shelbyville is a city of approximately 24,000 residents, located in central Tennessee’s Bedford County south of Murfreesboro. On at least one occasion, local law enforcement have launched an investigation to identify and arrest sex buyers in the community. In July 2016, the Shelbyville Police Department announced the completion of a web sting targeting johns. Officers placed a decoy advertisement to a website known for commercial sex solicitation, and arranged to meet the individuals who replied to the listing. Thirteen men were arrested as a result, though an SPD representative told the Shelbyville Times-Gazette that upwards of 50 individuals initially responded to the decoy ad. He added:

“Earlier this year, the Criminal Investigation Division responded to ads placed [online] in an effort to stamp out the supply of human trafficking and prostitution. The current investigation was aimed toward stamping out the demand in our community.”

Following their arrests, each of the offender’s names and arrest photos were publicized in press.

In July, 2021, two men were arrested and charged with “patronizing prostitution,” and were released on bond.  Their identities were included in news reports.