13 Arrested in Operation Macon Plays Targeting Sex Traffickers and Buyers
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has announced the arrest of 13 individuals in connection with Operation Macon Plays, a multi-agency undercover investigation targeting sex traffickers and commercial sex buyers in the Macon and Bibb County area.
Coordinated by the GBI’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit (HEAT), the operation included assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia State Patrol. The twofold initiative aimed to reduce demand for commercial sex and identify and arrest those involved in trafficking and pimping.
Arrests and Charges
The following individuals were arrested during the operation:
- Georgia Marie Emmons, 37, of Americus, GA: Charged with Pimping and Giving False Name, Address, or Date of Birth. She also faced two unrelated outstanding warrants.
- Darrell Lee Gillis, 33, of Macon, GA: Charged with Pimping.
- Anthony Ramond Bowens, 27, of Macon, GA: Charged with Prostitution and Violation of Parole.
- Suhntain Naurice Griffin, 45, of Macon, GA: Charged with Giving False Name, Address, or Date of Birth.
- Bobby Darien Harden, Jr., 33, of Macon, GA: Arrested on an unrelated outstanding warrant.
- Thomesha Armstrong, 33, of Macon, GA: Charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance.
The following individuals were arrested and charged with Pandering after traveling with the intent to purchase sex:
- Johntaz Bryant, 37, of Macon, GA
- Torri Vontrea Walton, 37, of Macon, GA
- Clinton Cardiable Harris, 54, of Columbus, GA
- Cecilio Gabriel Lopez Hernandez, 34, of Macon, GA
- Jose Alfredo Cruiz, 32, of Blackshear, GA
- Loc Tan Nguyen, 49, of Macon, GA
- Mark Alan Gunter, 61, of Rincon, GA
Victim Support and Ongoing Investigation
Eleven commercial sex workers encountered during the operation were offered medical services and community resources.
The investigation remains active, and additional charges and arrests may follow.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the GBI’s HEAT Unit at 404-270-8433 or the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 478-751-7500. Reports of human trafficking can also be made to Georgia’s statewide human trafficking hotline at 1-866-ENDHTGA.
