Multi-Agency Human Trafficking Sting Leads to 32 Arrests in Troup County
TROUP COUNTY, GA – A two-day undercover operation targeting human trafficking in Troup County, conducted by the Troup County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division with significant assistance from multiple law enforcement partners, resulted in the arrest of 32 individuals for a range of offenses. The operation, which also identified potential victims and sex traffickers, took place on July 16th and 17th.
The Troup County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division collaborated with the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, the Troup County Marshal’s Office, the Haralson County Sheriff’s Office, and the LaGrange Police Department to execute the sting. Investigators utilized technology to identify and locate individuals involved in the prostitution and human trafficking industry, arresting them once violations of state law were committed.
Arrests spanned a multitude of offenses, from Prostitution and Pandering to more serious charges like Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. All individuals were arrested without incident and transported to the Troup County Jail. The investigation further uncovered victims of human trafficking as well as potential sex traffickers, with these cases remaining under investigation for possible state or federal charges.
The Sheriff’s Office is reminding citizens that prostitution is far from a victimless crime, characterizing it as a “dark and dangerous industry that often destroys families, spreads diseases, offers an environment for robbery and assaults, and all too often results in adolescent children being used as prostitutes for sex traffickers.” Authorities stressed that even simply paying for a prostitute helps fund these sex traffickers, aiding in the victimization of those trapped in the industry.
“The Troup County Sheriff’s Office remains absolutely unwavering in our commitment to fighting human trafficking and dismantling the criminal networks that exploit the vulnerable,” stated Captain Nathan Taylor of the Narcotics Division. “These 32 arrests are not just numbers- they represent our ongoing effort to target those who profit from and participate in this kind of exploitation. We will continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute anyone involved in human trafficking and related offenses. Our message is clear: Troup County will not be a safe haven for traffickers or those who support this vile industry.”
Individuals arrested during the operation include:
- Charles Smith, 61 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
- Linzie Downey, 33 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
- Tyree Townes, 20 / M, Hephzibah, GA – Pandering
- Nithin Kumar, 25 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
- Desmond McMillan, 25 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
- Demetrius Thompson, 36 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
- Demerius Bartlett, 29 / M, Columbus, GA – Pimping
- Kandice Bartlett, 42 / F, Columbus, GA – Prostitution
- Alex Martinez, 54 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
- Patrick Thomas, 28 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
- Eric Gamble, 52 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
- Jeff Wright, 54 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
- Charlie Denson, 39 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
- Joshua Kirkendoll, 42 / M, LaGrange, GA – Possession of Methamphetamine, Pandering
- Sierra Hartman, 25 / F, Montgomery, AL – Prostitution, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Methamphetamine
- Christopher James, 45 / M, Franklin, GA – Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Pandering, Probation Violation
- Mark Gray, 31 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
- James Logan, 40 / M, Pine Mountain, GA – Pandering
- Demetrius Talley, 51 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
- Jazmon Griggs, 41 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
- Jarvis Goode, 39 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
- Romel Maycock, 43 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
- Jaquarium Jackson, 32 / M, Lanett, AL – Pandering
- Trinity Mealor, 49 / M, Franklin, GA – Pandering
- Sade Garrison, 26 / F, Columbus, GA – Prostitution
- Ulysses Stenson, 35 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
- Brandy Gillette, 51 / F, St. Petersburg, FL – Pimping
- Melissa Quillen, 38 / F, Augusta, GA – Pimping
- Crystal Cox, 41 / F, Phenix City, AL – Prostitution
- Brandon Smith, 41 / M, Atlanta, GA – Possession of Cocaine, Pimping
- Marquita Nelson, 33 / F, Atlanta, GA – Possession of Cocaine
- Kierra Martin, 37 / F, Austell, GA – Possession of Cocaine, Prostitution
