Tullahoma, TN

Tactics Used

Auto Seizure
Buyer Arrests
Cameras
Community Service
Employment Loss
Identity Disclosure
IT Based Tactics
John School
Letters
License Suspension
Neighborhood Action
Public Education
Reverse Stings
SOAP Orders
Web Stings

Tullahoma is a city of about 20,000 residents in Coffee and Franklin counties in southern Middle Tennessee, roughly 75 miles northwest of Chattanooga. Prostitution and sex trafficking have been documented in the city and surrounding areas, including a case in which a mother sex trafficked her teen daughter in exchange for drugs. Local men have also been caught in sting operations in nearby towns like Murfreesboro.

Web-based reverse stings have been conducted locally to combat demand for commercial sex. In May 2022, a man was arrested after attempting to meet a 16-year-old girl he had groomed over Facebook for sex. He was instead met by police and charged with patronizing prostitution, soliciting a minor to observe, and human trafficking. He reportedly messaged the teen asking, “How would you like to make $150 for one hour of your time?” After learning the girl was 16, the man was not deterred and continued the conversation with the minor, suggesting they meet, take pictures, and have sex. The man’s identity was released to the press.

In July 2022, a man was arrested after driving to Tullahoma to meet someone he thought was a 16-year-old girl for sex. He had been grooming the “girl” online for several months, asking for nude photos and sex, and at one point trying to entice her by offering money in exchange for specific sexual requests. After arriving at the meeting location, the 60-year-old man was met by police instead of a teenage girl. He was charged with human trafficking, aggravated sexual exploitation, solicitation of a minor, and solicitation of prostitution. His identity was released to the press.

Key Partners

  • Tullahoma Police Department
State Tennessee
Type City
Population 19982
Location
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