A press release from The Kingsport Police Department said the Vice Squad made 14 arrests. Investigators added they arrested some of the prostitution suspects multiple times.
A reverse sting by police, using an undercover female operative, led to the arrests of four men. The charge against them: soliciting prostitution.
During the most recent reverse sting, police said Brian O'Connor requested sexual favors from a female undercover operative. Investigators said upon making payment, an undercover male Vice Agent tried to remove O'Connor from his vehicle and arrest him. Police said O'Connor hit the gas and tried to get away from them. Investigators said the Vice Agent trying to arrest O'Connor was dragged by O'Connor's vehicle and thrown into a parking lot.
During the four month operation, detectives also watched for activity at the public bathrooms on Netherland Inn Road. Police said they arrested Tony Fugate there and charged him with indecent exposure.
The following is a list of the suspects arrested during the four month investigation and the charges they face:
Althea Gumm / 2 counts prostitution
Laurie Edinger / prostitution
Shelly Gregg / prostitution
Tasha Tranbarger / 4 counts prostitution
Kathy Herceg / prostitution
Joseph Jarber / soliciting prostitution
Doug Cavitt / soliciting prostitution & possession of marijuana
Robert Necessary / soliciting prostitution
Brian O'Connor / soliciting prostitution, evading arrest, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment
Tony Fugate / indecent exposure
Advertisement