Operation into online child exploitation in Tennessee leads to various arrests

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's ongoing effort to protect kids against online predators has led to the arrests of a dozen people.

Over a three-month period, the TBI's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force helped identify and found children who were victims of sexortion and online sexual exploitation as well as identifying and arresting individuals accused of harming children online.

"Operation Protecting Tomorrow" identified and found 18 known child victims of sextortion in Tennessee who were reported through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) cybertips from various social media platforms, including Snapchat and Instagram. One child victim was identified and found living in Alabama.

TBI agents are still trying to identify and find 22 more children who are victims of sextortion, ages 11 to 17.

The operation also included the execution of 10 residential search warrants throughout Tennessee. During the search warrants, TBI agents seized 181 electronic devices and one child sex doll.

An initial preview of these devices showed more than 264,000 images and videos of Child Sexual Abuse Material. Agents expect the number of images and videos to grow as the evidence examination continues.

The operation also led to five of the 24 child victims being identified and rescued as victims of brand-new sexual exploitation content being made by the offender and shared on social media platforms.

Addtionally, the operation led toto various arrests. The following were arrested and charged with sexual exploitation of children and other related offenses:

• John Vincent, 53, Murfreesboro: Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (2 Counts)
• Courtney Staggs, 29, Jamestown: Aggravated Rape of a Child (1 Count), Aggravated Sexual Battery (1 Count), Especially Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (6 Counts), Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (6 Counts)
• Cody Wilson, 31, Columbia: Solicitation of a Minor (1 Count), Soliciting Sexual Exploitation of a Minor – Exploitation of a Minor by Electronic Means (1 Count)
• Kyle Shaddon, 28, Paris: Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (3 Counts)
• Justin Farris, 41, Paris: Especially Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (1 Count), Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (1 Count)
• Marcus Puryear, 47, Somerville: Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (20 Counts), Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (20 Counts)
• Shawn Steven, 32, Decatur: Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (5 Counts)
• Cody Gunter, 29, Niota: Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (1 Count), Solicitation of a Minor (1 Count)
• Johnathan Curtis, 32, McMinnville: Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (1 Count)
• Clifton Johnston, 38, McMinnville: Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (1 Count)
• Garry Alford, 42, McMinnville: Sexual Exploitation of Minor (1 Count)
• Ernest Brown, 45, Paris: Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (6 Counts), Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (2 Counts)

The arrests span across 21 Tennessee counties and involved nearly 20 local, state and federal law enforcement partners.

TBI adds more arrests may come in the operation once complete forensic processing of seized electronic devices takes place.

“The massive volume of vile images and videos our agents uncovered – and the number of suspects identified, and victims helped during this operation – should trouble every Tennessean,” said TBI Director David Rausch. “The internet is a dangerous place, full of predators looking for their next young victim. We’re doing our part at TBI, but every parent, grandparent, and caregiver must also be vigilant. Help your children know the dangers and know what to do if they’re scared, confused, or asked to do the wrong thing online.”

You can find information about online dangers, sextortion, and common-sense tips for the public here. Parents and caregivers looking for resources that may help children develop online safety skills should visit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s website here.

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