14 Arrested in Northwest Georgia Human Trafficking Operation
Police arrested 14 people in a multi-agency investigation targeting sex traffickers and sex buyers in Northwest Georgia. The GBI’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit (HEAT), the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations & Criminal Investigation Division, the Cartersville Police Department, the Polk County Police Department, and the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office coordinated the operation. Police offered resources to 9 sex workers.
The following individuals were arrested and charged:
- Lakisha Montera Watkins, 43, of Rome, GA, charged with pimping.
- Danny Williams, 59, of Hudson, FL, charged with pandering.
- Kyefahn Brittain, 44, of Stockbridge, GA, charged with pandering.
- Bobby Cannon, 31, of McDonough, GA, charged with pandering.
- Nivanshu Mahajan, 22, of Cartersville, GA, charged with pandering.
- James Hallock, 50, of Temple, GA, charged with pandering.
- James Nesta, 51, of Davidson, NC, charged with pandering.
- Brandon Treglown, 32, of Evans, GA, charged with pandering.
- Andrew Frey, 37, of Acworth, GA, charged with pandering.
- Christopher Smith, 39, of Dallas, GA, charged with pandering.
- Richie Digsby, 51, of Lindale, GA, charged with pandering.
- David Webb, 48, of Columbus, GA, charged with pandering.
- Jordyn Freeman, 31, of Cartersville, GA, charged with Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act.
- Aaron Sands, 51, of Cartersville, GA, charged with Criminal Attempt at Child Molestation.
Additional charges and arrests may follow.
“Operation Etowah Exploits” involved months of planning and collaboration among law enforcement agencies. The arrestees, aged 22 to 59, traveled from areas around Bartow County, GA, intending to purchase or sell sex.
The goal of “Operation Etowah Exploits” was to reduce demand for sex and identify and arrest pimps and human traffickers. The Kennesaw State University Human Trafficking Mobile Medical Unit and the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) assisted with the operation by providing resources to victims.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI’s HEAT Unit at 404-270-8433, Bartow County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations & Criminal Investigation Division at 770-607-1169, Bartow County Sheriff’s Office at 770-382-5050, or the Cartersville Police Department at 770-382-2526. All forms of human trafficking should be reported to Georgia’s statewide human trafficking hotline, 1-866-ENDHTGA. Trained law enforcement agents, advocates, and first responders are available 24/7 to answer calls.
