Common Era

A multi-agency investigation into prostitution and human trafficking at massage parlors in Columbia, Tennessee has revealed indirect links to both campaigns for the state's 5th Congressional District. On September 9, authorities executed search warrants at seven locations statewide, arresting 10 women as part of a probe involving the Columbia Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, ICE, and other agencies.

Neither congressional candidate was implicated directly in the raid, but records show a building housing one raided spa, Sunshine/Red Fruit Spa, is owned by an LLC in which Columbia Mayor and Democratic candidate Chaz Molder holds a 25% stake. Molder's campaign said he had no knowledge of illegal activity and no authority over tenants; the LLC evicted the operator after learning of the violations. Separately, a paid contract worker for Republican candidate Charlie Hatcher's campaign was reportedly present during the raid, though he has not been charged. The Hatcher campaign confirmed the worker resigned and criticized Molder's ownership stake as undercutting his anti-corruption platform.