LOUDON, Tenn. (WOKI) — A joint undercover operation targeting individuals attempting to engage in commercial sex acts with minors has resulted in the arrest of two East Tennessee men, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
The operation was conducted August 6 as part of a two-day effort led by the TBI’s Human Trafficking Unit in partnership with the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office, Loudon Police Department, Lenoir City Police Department, 9th Judicial District Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Authorities said the operation focused on identifying and apprehending individuals seeking to engage in sex acts with minors in the Loudon area.
As a result of the investigation, two men were arrested and booked into the Loudon County Jail:
- Valerii Onufreychuk, 33, of Philadelphia, Tennessee, was charged with one count of Trafficking for Commercial Sex Act (Minor). His bond was set at $50,000.
- John Wood, 67, of Knoxville, was charged with two counts of Trafficking for Commercial Sex Act (Minor). His bond was set at $100,000.
The arrests stem from an undercover investigation conducted by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies working together to combat human trafficking and the exploitation of minors.
The TBI said human trafficking remains a priority for investigators across Tennessee, and officials encourage the public to report suspected cases.
Anyone who suspects human trafficking activity can contact the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-55-TNHTH. Additional information about human trafficking awareness and prevention efforts is available at ITHasToStop.com.
Authorities emphasized that the charges announced in the investigation are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
