In Sullivan County, Tennessee, several individuals were taken into custody for prostitution-related offenses following a covert operation led by the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) in collaboration with specialized state agents.

The SCSO issued a press release stating that the operation took place from July 30 to 31, targeting those seeking to buy commercial sex and those involved in exploiting others for such activities.

The following four people were arrested and charged with patronizing prostitution of a minor:

• Maddox Carter, 19, of Johnson City
• Dennis Compston, 69, of Gate City
• Jesse Long, 28, of Alice, Texas
• Clarence Frye, 54, of Elizabethton

Long was also charged with resisting arrest.

Carter’s bond was set at $25,000, while the other three’s bond was set at $50,000.

Additionally, a woman was apprehended during this operation due to outstanding warrants. The SCSO did not reveal her identity or specify the charges against her in the announcement.

The operation was carried out with the assistance of special agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Human Trafficking Unit and the Tennessee Human Trafficking Task Force.

Authorities worked with Grow Free Tennessee to identify possible human trafficking victims during the operation.

The SCSO advised anyone who suspects human trafficking activity to call the state’s hotline at 1-855-55-TNHTH.