Two Jefferson County Men Among Those Arrested In Human Trafficking Ring

Two Jefferson County men were among six men arrested in Morristown over the weekend after a two day human trafficking operation investigation. Hamblen County authorities say that on Friday May 2 and Saturday May 3, undercover agents posed as juveniles that were engaged in the sale of commercial sex. Colton Bryant and John Linek, both of Jefferson City were among those arrested. The others are Bryan Guzman of Morristown, Osdan Ardon of Knoxville, Pable Gutierrez of Glen Burnie, Maryland, and Marvin Melendez of Maryville. All have been charged with trafficking for commercial sex acts as all six men had agreed to pay hundreds of dollars to have sex with minors.

Authorities say that Melendez showed up at the motel with heroin and marijuana in his possession. He faces additional charges of schedule I and VI possession and also resisting arrest. All are being held without bond in the Hamblen County jail pending arraignment.