CHATTANOOGA, TN – A joint investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the Chattanooga Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations has led to the arrest of four individuals.
The agencies were involved in an operation last week to disrupt the work of human sex traffickers in the Hamilton County area. During the operation, which involved the state’s Human Trafficking Task Force, authorities developed information leading to a local hotel where law enforcement encountered the individuals and confirmed them to be engaged in an illegal sex operation.
Those arrested include:
- Wilimar Herrera Guedez (DOB 1/4/1995): One count of Prostitution
- Rebeca De Los Juarez Lucena (DOB 7/6/1998): One count of Prostitution
- Yidalbris Marcano Salas (DOB 4/1/1995): One count of Prostitution, one count of Possession of Marijuana for Resale, one count of Possession of Xanax for Resale, one count of Possession of Crack Cocaine for Resale, and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
- Adelvis Rodriguez-Carmona (DOB 5/16/1994): One count of Patronizing Prostitution, one count of Possession of Marijuana for Resale, one count of Possession of Xanax for Resale, one count of Possession of Crack Cocaine for Resale, and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
Investigative efforts confirmed Rodriguez-Carmona to be a known member of Tren de Aragua who is additionally suspected of committing violent crimes in Chicago and New York City. At the time of this release, he remained in the custody of the Hamilton County Jail on $125,000 bond.
The investigation remains active at this time.
“I want to make sure it’s crystal clear that CPD does not have issues with our Latino community members in Chattanooga, CPD and its officers are focused on criminal activity not ethnicity,” said Chief John Chambers.
“What makes [Tren de Aragua] different is they do move about,” said TBI Director David Rausch. “They remain transient until they get comfortable. If they get into an area where they feel like they are able to operate without impunity, then they will start to dig their heels in, as we have seen in some of the other communities. What we’re trying to do — and my purpose was, in introducing this information — was to ensure that all of policing in Tennessee understands we’re not going to let them get their foothold in Tennessee.”
The charges and allegations referenced in this release are merely accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.
Information about human trafficking and TBI’s efforts to address this type of crime can be found online at www.ITHasToStop.com.
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