Nonprofit helps detectives in child trafficking operation that led to arrests of two Chattanooga men | Local News

We're learning more about a child sex trafficking case that led to the arrest of seven suspects in Sweetwater, including two Chattanooga men.

An Alabama-based nonprofit that fights human trafficking helped detectives arrest these suspects.

Detectives in the Sweetwater operation used an online ad to lure child predators.

The advert featured the profile of a 16-year-old girl, but behind the fake page were highly trained detectives ready to go bankrupt.

“We will train law enforcement how to conduct a web chat,” said Josh Moody, director of operations for Covenant Rescue Group. “What they can say, what they can’t say legally.”

Moody says the Covenant Rescue Group has worked alongside many detectives across the country, advising them on how to arrest these offenders.

His agents were on the Sweetwater case when detectives arrested seven suspects, accused of having sexual conversations with an undercover agent posing as a minor.

Detectives say most of the suspects offered $100 in exchange for sex and even attempted to drive to meet the minor at a hotel.

“That’s what keeps organizations like ours so busy,” Moody said. “We want every law enforcement agency to be as effective as possible in combating this outbreak.”

And when it comes to the perpetrators of this crime, Moody says child predators can be anyone and come from any background.

“We have participated in sting operations that have arrested worship leaders, pastors and business leaders.”

He says when Covenant Rescue Group is called for help, the main priority is to ensure investigators can build a strong case to prevent offenders from getting away.

He says these predators are getting smarter every day and his tips to help you stay ahead of the game.

“Look at what your kids are doing online, look at what they're doing on their cell phones, look at what they're doing on their video games,” he said. “Because most of the time, that's how they're getting to our kids.”

Enoc Gutierrez Velaquez and Brain Matthew Broome, both of Chattanooga, were arrested in connection with the sting operation.