A multi-agency undercover operation targeting human trafficking in Loudon County has led to the arrest of two East Tennessee men.

The two-day operation concluded on August 6 and was conducted jointly by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s (TBI) Human Trafficking Unit, the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office, the Loudon Police Department, the Lenoir City Police Department, the 9th Judicial District Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Law enforcement focused on identifying individuals attempting to engage in sex acts with minors, resulting in the apprehension of:

• Valerii Onufreychuk (33) of Philadelphia, TN — Charged with one count of Trafficking for Commercial Sex Act (Minor) with a $50,000 bond.

• John Wood (pictured above) (67) of Knoxville, TN — Charged with two counts of Trafficking for Commercial Sex Act (Minor) with a $100,000 bond.

Both suspects were booked into the Loudon County Jail.

Important Note: The charges and allegations referenced in this report are accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Authorities remind the public that suspected cases of human trafficking can be reported to the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-55-TNHTH, and additional information on TBI’s prevention efforts is available online at www.ITHasToStop.com.