Trafficking a priority for Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says it placed fake ads for prostitutes and arrested about a dozen people this week as part of an operation to better understand human trafficking in this state.
Earlier this week, Gov. Bill Haslam signed a bill giving the bureau jurisdiction over investigations of human trafficking. The legislature earlier approved funding for four special agents who will be dedicated to investigating trafficking and training local law enforcement officers to recognize and combat it.
At a news conference on Friday, TBI Special Agent-In-Charge Margie Quin said trafficking occurs when anyone under 18 years old engages in a commercial sex act. It also occurs when someone over 18 engages in a commercial sex act through fraud or coercion.
