32 in custody following undercover human trafficking operation in Troup County

LaGRANGE, Ga. (WRBL) — The Troup County Sheriff’s Office announced on Monday that 32 people were taken into custody following a joint undercover operation that involved its narcotics division, the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, the Troup County Marshal’s Office, the Haralson County Sheriff’s Office, and the LaGrange Police Department.

The undercover operation targeted human trafficking in Troup County, according to the sheriff’s office.

By utilizing technology, investigators identified the suspects involved in the prostitution and human trafficking industry and took them into custody once they violated the state law through a two-day operation that took place on July 16 to 17.

All suspects were arrested without incident and transported to the Troup County Jail, according to the sheriff’s office.

The 32 suspects, who were taken into custody will face charges that range from prostitution to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

The sheriff’s office says the investigation revealed that the victims of the human trafficking operation were also possible sex traffickers. Those cases still remain under investigation with possible state or federal charges pending, according to the sheriff’s office.

“The Troup County Sheriff’s Office remains absolutely unwavering in our commitment to fighting human trafficking and dismantling the criminal networks that exploit the vulnerable. These 32 arrests are not just numbers — they represent our ongoing effort to target those who profit from and participate in this kind of exploitation,” said Capt. Nathan Taylor, with the narcotics division.

He added, “we will continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute anyone involved in human trafficking and related offenses. Our message is clear: Troup County will not be a safe haven for traffickers or those who support this vile industry.”

The list of suspects who are facing charges in the operation are:

• Charles Smith, 61 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
• Linzie Downey, 33 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
• Tyree Townes, 20 / M, Hephzibah, GA – Pandering
• Nithin Kumar, 25 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
• Desmond McMillan, 25 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
• Demetrius Thompson, 36 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
• Demerius Bartlett, 29 / M, Columbus, GA – Pimping
• Kandice Bartlett, 42 / F, Columbus, GA – Prostitution
• Alex Martinez, 54 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
• Patrick Thomas, 28 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
• Eric Gamble, 52 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
• Jeff Wright, 54 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
• Charlie Denson, 39 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
• Joshua Kirkendoll, 42 / M, LaGrange, GA – Possession of Methamphetamine, Pandering
• Sierra Hartman, 25 / F, Montgomery, AL – Prostitution, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Methamphetamine
• Christopher James, 45 / M, Franklin, GA – Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Pandering, Probation Violation
• Mark Gray, 31 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
• James Logan, 40 / M, Pine Mountain, GA – Pandering
• Demetrius Talley, 51 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
• Jazmon Griggs, 41 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
• Jarvis Goode, 39 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
• Romel Maycock, 43 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
• Jaquarium Jackson, 32 / M, Lanett, AL – Pandering
• Trinity Mealor, 49 / M, Franklin, GA – Pandering
• Sade Garrison, 26 / F, Columbus, GA – Prostitution
• Ulysses Stenson, 35 / M, LaGrange, GA – Pandering
• Brandy Gillette, 51 / F, St. Petersburg, FL – Pimping
• Melissa Quillen, 38 / F, Augusta, GA – Pimping
• Crystal Cox, 41 / F, Phenix City, AL – Prostitution
• Brandon Smith, 41 / M, Atlanta, GA – Possession of Cocaine, Pimping
• Marquita Nelson, 33 / F, Atlanta, GA – Possession of Cocaine
• Kierra Martin, 37 / F, Austell, GA – Possession of Cocaine, Prostitution