MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) said 13 missing Memphis area children have been found after ‘Operation Not for Sale,’ targeting those at risk of being trafficked.
The TBI said the two-day operation in Memphis was a joint effort between the TBI, United States Marshals Service, Homeland Security, Memphis Police, and the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.
Investigators said intelligence analyst first identified missing children considered at high-risk for human trafficking, then on Nov. 2 and 3, six teams began a search across Memphis, targeting 56 locations. They found 12 of the children, ages 11 to 17, who had been identified as high-risk. They also found a two-month-old infant. The TBI said the children are now all safe.
And while this was a two-day operation, the TBI said efforts to find missing children ‘remain active and ongoing.”
“This operation shows the impact of collaboration and dedication to protecting these vulnerable individuals,” said TBI Director David Rausch. “Multiple disciplines are necessary when dealing with the sensitive issue of human trafficking due to the immense trauma that these victims suffer.”
"When criminals are apprehended, it's a good feeling to know that we're putting bad actors behind bars, but that sense of accomplishment is nothing compared to saving a missing child who is being exploited,” said Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn 'CJ' Davis. “Human traffickers exploit and endanger some of the most vulnerable members of our society and bring unimaginable harm to their victims."
Officials with Restore Corps have assisted with providing services.
To report suspected human trafficking, call the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-55-TNHTH. Information about human trafficking and TBI’s efforts is available at www.ItHasToStop.com.