A Walker County man is among four individuals arrested in a multi-agency human trafficking sting that took place over the weekend in Chattanooga.
From May 30th through June 1st, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, alongside local law enforcement, conducted an undercover operation aimed at identifying suspects attempting to engage in sex acts with minors and recovering potential victims of trafficking.
Among those arrested was Tommy Puyear, age 51, of Rossville, Georgia. Puyear is charged with solicitation of a minor, two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon, and multiple drug-related charges, including possession of meth and drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $20,000.
Also arrested:
Thomas Leighton, 65, of Soddy Daisy — charged with trafficking for a commercial sex act.
Brandon Moates, 27, of Chattanooga — facing drug and weapons charges.
Weston Stansell, 28, also of Chattanooga — charged with solicitation of a minor.
Authorities say the operation is part of an ongoing effort to crack down on predators targeting children and to combat human trafficking in the region.