GBI: 13 arrested in Macon sex trafficking operation
The GBI’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking (HEAT) Unit led the operation, which included Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia State Patrol, according to a GBI news release.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) arrested 13 people during “Operation Macon Plays,” a multi-agency undercover investigation targeting sex traffickers and commercial sex buyers in Macon and Bibb County.
The GBI’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking (HEAT) Unit led the operation, which included Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia State Patrol, according to a GBI news release.
The operation focused on reducing the demand for commercial sex while identifying and arresting human traffickers and pimps.
The following people were arrested on various charges:
- 37-year-old Georgia Marie Emmons of Americus: Charged with pimping, giving a false name, address, or date of birth and two unrelated outstanding warrants.
- 33-year-old Darrell Lee Gillis of Macon: Charged with pimping.
- 27-year-old Anthony Ramond Bowens of Macon: Charged with prostitution and violation of parole.
- 45-year-old Suhntain Naurice Griffin of Macon: Charged with giving a false name, address or date of birth.
- 33-year-old Bobby Darien Harden, Jr. of Macon: Arrested on an unrelated outstanding warrant.
- 33-year-old Thomesha Armstrong of Macon: Charged with possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine and possession of a Schedule I controlled substance.
Seven men were arrested for traveling with the intent to purchase sex and were charged with pandering:
- 37-year-old Johntaz Bryant of Macon
- 37-year-old Torri Vontrea Walton of Macon
- 54-year-old Clinton Cardiable Harris of Columbus
- 34-year-old Cecilio Gabriel Lopez Hernandez of Macon
- 32-year-old Jose Alfredo Cruiz of Blackshear
- 49-year-old Loc Tan Nguyen of Macon
- 61-year-old Mark Alan Gunter of Rincon
The GBI said 11 commercial sex workers were offered medical services and community resources.
This investigation is ongoing, and additional charges or arrests may follow, the GBI said.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI’s HEAT Unit at (404) 270-8433 or the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at (478) 751-7500. To report human trafficking, call Georgia’s 24/7 statewide human trafficking hotline at 1-866-ENDHTGA.
