News Channel 2: At Least 14 Men Charged in Human Trafficking Case

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – A pastor and Army lieutenant were among the at least 14 charged in a recent week-long human trafficking operation led by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

The bureau said they worked alongside police departments from both Brentwood and Clarksville as well as End Slavery Tennessee.

The 14 men arrested, which include a pastor, Army lieutenant, farmer and small business owner, each face prostitution-related charges.

Among those arrested and cited in Clarksville are:

  • Sergio Baltazar, 29, Clarksvile
  • Devereaux Fields, 24, Clarksville
  • Christopher Kendrick, 24, Clarksville
  • Devin McLean, 21, Fort Campbell, Ky.
  • Daniel Peters, 29, Clarksville
  • Michael Reid, 46, Clarksville
  • KeRalos Sanders, 32, Oak Grove, Ky.
  • Stephen Shaw, 56, Paducah, Ky.
  • Paul Wengerd, 47, Paris
  • Rodney Wilson, 29, Clarksville
  • Mariah Miller, 24, Clarksville

Among those arrested and cited in Brentwood are:

  • Cheng Hao Tung, 25
  • Marisa Thomas, 20
  • Kiersten Napodano, 21

Authorities also identified several young women who may be victims of human trafficking. One young woman was referred to End Slavery Tennessee, an organization that aims to promote healing of human trafficking survivors and confront slavery across the state.

Earlier this week, Governor Bill Haslam signed legislation giving TBI original jurisdiction over investigations of human trafficking.

The state also approved funding for four special agents who will work exclusively to investigate human trafficking cases and train law enforcement across the state to recognize the signs and combat the crime.

Caitlin Reed