MACON, Ga. — The GBI arrested 17 people — ranging from panders to pimps — in "Operation Coast to Coast," a multi-state effort to identify human trafficking victims and hold accountable human traffickers, according to a press release from the agency.
Based on the list of people caught up in the operation, it led to the arrest of people from coast to coast, including the arrest of people from Alpharetta and Woodstock to Las Vegas and Akron, Ohio, the press release said. However, most people arrested were from Georgia.
Along with the multi-state operation, the GBI had its own initiative, "Operation Wrong Room," which was running at the same time as "Operation Coast to Coast."
The agency also seized $266,000 from suspected traffickers while searching two residences in Georgia.
According to the GBI, they made contact with 94 adults and one minor and provided food, lodging, medical services, drug rehabilitation, counseling and childcare during the course of the investigation.
The agency also seized $266,000 from suspected traffickers while searching two residences in Georgia.
One man from Las Vegas was arrested for pandering and a woman from Akron was arrested for violating Georgia's Controlled Substance Act.
Another four people from Georgia were arrested and charged with pimping.
The GBI arrested 27-year-old Stewart Notice Jr of Fayetteville, 56-year-old Thomas Piper of Woodstock, 35-year-old Christian Horne of Decatur and 25-year-old Lindsay Roberts from Midway.
Roberts was also charged with violating Georgia's Controlled Substance Act, the GBI says.
All 17 people arrested were booked into the Dekalb County Jail.
The GBI worked with the Chamblee Police Department, the Gwinnett County Police along with the Homeland Security Investigations and Criminal Justice Coordinating Council during the operation, the press release said.
They also worked with the Dekalb DA's office.
The GBI says if you suspect human trafficking, you can contact 911 or the Georgia Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-866ENDHTGA (1-866-363-4842).