(TENNESSEE) Less than four months ago, data from the TBI (Tennessee Bureau of Identification) showed that the Volunteer State is tops in the nation at reducing sex trafficking. The TBI and tri-cities police agencies operated an undercover investigation aimed at addressing human trafficking in Northeast Tennessee. The two-day operation began last Thursday (3/9/2023).  In addition, 55-miles south of there, the TBI arrested the Greenville Police Assistant Chief  Stephen Hixson on unrelated charges.

Sex Trafficking

Authorities placed several decoy advertisements on websites known to be linked to prostitution and commercial sex cases. The focus of the operation was to identify individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts with minors. 

As a result, authorities arrested and booked 11 men into the Sullivan County Jail:

• Johnathan Michael Campbell (DOB: 11/2/92), Johnson City: Two counts of Solicitation of a Minor, two counts of Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor and one count of Unlawful Drug Paraphernalia. $50,000 bond.
• James Stephen Samples (DOB: 9/28/72), Hurricane, WV: Two counts of Solicitation of a Minor and two counts of Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor. $50,000 bond.
• Isaac Darko Addo (DOB: 11/26/84), Johnson City: One count of Solicitation of a Minor and one count of Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor. $50,000 bond.
• George Chavez Lopez (DOB: 3/10/94), Morristown: Two counts of Solicitation of a Minor and two counts of Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor. $50,000 bond.
• Casey Aaron Miller (DOB: 6/4/88), Boone, NC: One count of Solicitation of a Minor, one count of Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor and one count of Simple Possession/Casual Exchange. $50,000 bond.
• Adonius Deondre Fields (DOB: 1/17/98), Johnson City: One count of Solicitation of a Minor and one count of Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor. $50,000 bond.
• Stacy Ray Harrington (DOB: 3/18/74), Blountville: One count of Solicitation of a Minor and one count of Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor. $50,000 bond.
• Ismael Villa Arzate (DOB: 6/17/90), Weaverville, NC: One count of Solicitation of a Minor and one count of Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor. $50,000 bond.
• Paul Brandon Alley (DOB: 9/29/80), Hellier, KY: Two counts of Solicitation of a Minor and two counts of Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor. $50,000 bond.
• Carlos Perez-Jose (DOB: 2/11/93), Johnson City: Two counts of Solicitation of a Minor and two counts of Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor. $50,000 bond.
• Bruce M. Byrd (DOB: 3/12/83), Spartanburg, SC: Two counts of Solicitation of a Minor and two counts of Patronizing Prostitution of a Minor. $50,000 bond.

Bristol Tennessee Police Chief, Matt Austin said, “This operation sends the strong message that we remain vigilant and committed to the safety of our children.”

In an earlier statement, TBI Director David Rausch noted, “Over the past decade, Tennessee has made incredible strides to understand and address trafficking. We’ve come a long way, but we’ve still got work to do...Governor Lee and his administration are to be commended for their ongoing support to provide additional agent positions in the recent budget cycle to further accelerate our efforts.”

Information about human trafficking and law enforcement’s actions to address the issue in Tennessee can be found online at www.ITHasToStop.com.

Greeneville Assistant Police Chief Arrested

(GREENVILLE, TN)  An investigation by special agents with the TBI has resulted in the indictment of Greenville's Assistant Police Chief Stephen Hixson. This is in connection with an assault that occured in December.

On December 11, 2022, at the request of 3rd Judicial District Attorney General Dan Armstrong, TBI special agents began investigating allegations of assault involving Greeneville Police Department Assistant Chief Stephen Hixson. The investigation revealed that on December 10, 2022, Hixson assaulted his stepdaughter during an argument at a home in the 100 block of Sunnyside Ridge Drive in Greeneville.

Today, the Greene County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging 51-year old Stephen Hixson with one count of Simple Assault. This afternoon, he turned himself in and was booked into the Greene County Jail on a $2,000 bond.