TENNESSEE
WKRN
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – Thirty-two men and women, including a children’s minister, were arrested on prostitution and human trafficking-related charges in Knoxville.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation made the arrests during a three-day operation called Operation Someone Like Me.
It was fifth operation of its kind in the state between the TBI and other law enforcement agencies to help identify, investigate, and prosecute trafficking suspects as well as rescue victims.
Undercover agents posted ads on Backpage.com. Authorities say those ads received over 300 responses within three days.
In one ad, authorities posed as a juvenile girl. That ad received more than 24 responses, according to the TBI. …
WATE identifies the minister as Jason Kennedy for Grace Baptist Church in Knoxville. The church’s website says Kennedy, 46, is a pastor for children from birth through fifth grade.
Court records say he allegedly responded to an ad on May 19 via a text message and was made aware another girl would be present who was underage. A $100 fee for a half hour of sex with both females was reportedly negotiated, according to court records, and Kennedy arranged to meet them at a Best Western.
The children’s minister is further accused of finding out the underage girl was only 15 upon arriving and saying he wanted to have sex with both. WATE reports court documents say he placed $100 on the counter and removed his pants before law enforcement took him into custody.
Kennedy faces charges of patronizing prostitution and trafficking. He was fired from his position as a minister following his arrest.
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