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ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) — An Elizabethton woman was arrested on Wednesday morning and charged with prostitution following an investigation in which she reportedly took money from an undercover officer in exchange for services.
A news release from the Carter County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) said Melissa Sue Timbs, 36, was charged with one count of prostitution following a joint sting operation conducted by the CCSO and Elizabethton Police Department (EPD).
The release said investigators discovered advertisements posted to a website soliciting acts of prostitution. The ads displayed photos later identified as Timbs and listed her location in Elizabethton. Her phone number, which was found to be registered to her, was also included in the ad.
“Investigators contacted Timbs via the telephone number displayed on the prostitution advertisements and requested to meet with her under the ruse of a client soliciting her services,” the release states.
Timbs then scheduled a meeting with the undercover officer that same evening (Tuesday) and gave him an address to travel to, according to the release. The undercover investigator then went to the address to meet Timbs, and during the meeting, told Timbs he had $200 and asked what services he could receive with that amount.
“After a short discussion, Timbs directed the investigator to lay the money on the table,” the release states. “After the exchange was made, officers entered the residence and detained Timbs.”
Timbs was found in possession of $850, and she reportedly told officers a portion of that money was proceeds from prostitution services. The release said Timbs told police she was unemployed and made money by providing prostitution services. Investigators seized her money as part of the sting, according to the release.
Timbs was taken to the Carter County Detention Center on a $10,000 bond, and the investigation remains ongoing, according to the CCSO.