Chattanooga, TN – A coordinated undercover operation involving special agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Human Trafficking Unit, the Chattanooga Police Department, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Soddy Daisy Police Department, the Tennessee Human Trafficking Task Force, and the FBI resulted in the arrest of four individuals suspected of involvement in human trafficking and related crimes.

The operation, conducted from May 30 through June 1, targeted individuals attempting to engage in sex acts with minors and sought to rescue victims of trafficking in the Chattanooga area.

The arrested suspects include:

  • Thomas Leighton, 65, of Soddy Daisy, charged with one count of Trafficking for a Commercial Sex Act. Bond set at $20,000.

  • Brandon Moates, 27, of Chattanooga, facing multiple charges including Unlawful Carrying or Possession of a Weapon, Methamphetamine-related offenses, and Drug Paraphernalia. Bond set at $13,000.

  • Tommy Puyear, 52, of Rossville, Georgia, charged with Solicitation of a Minor, weapons violations, drug manufacturing and possession charges. Bond set at $20,000.

  • Westin Stansell, 28, of Chattanooga, charged with Solicitation of a Minor. Bond set at $15,000.

The operation also focused on identifying potential victims of human trafficking. Non-governmental organizations Street Grace and Willowbend Farms were present on site to offer direct support and services to those in need.

For more information on human trafficking and TBI’s efforts, visit www.ITHasToStop.com.

Authorities remind the public that the charges are allegations, and all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.