Nashville, TN – In a coordinated law enforcement operation this morning, five men were arrested at a suspected brothel located at 2334 Hobson Pike in Nashville. The arrests were the result of an ongoing investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with the assistance of the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) agents, and FBI personnel. Authorities executed a federal search warrant at the property as part of a larger, months-long investigation into illegal activities in the area.

Upon arriving at the residence, officers discovered that the upstairs area of the home had been converted into several small rooms, which appeared to be used for prostitution. In addition to the rooms, investigators seized business cards and ledgers linked to the promotion of prostitution. Over a pound of marijuana was also confiscated during the search.

Among the five men arrested was Gianfranco Augusto Barazarte-Morales, 31, who faces charges related to promoting prostitution, felony marijuana possession, and evading arrest. Barazarte-Morales is also implicated in a separate incident from September 17, 2023, when two men were injured in a non-critical shooting at a suspected brothel located at 6166 Mt. View Road. As a result of that investigation, Barazarte-Morales is facing additional charges of aggravated assault, felony reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, and using a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony.

The other men arrested include:

  • Felix Rafael Ortega, 27, charged with promoting prostitution, evading arrest, felony marijuana possession, and felony possession of a dangerous drug known as “Tusi,” a combination of cocaine, ecstasy, fentanyl, and other substances.
  • Elmer Humberto Aparicio-Castillo, 27, charged with promoting prostitution, evading arrest, felony marijuana possession, and felony gun possession. A semi-automatic pistol was discovered by a specially trained ATF dog in the area where Aparicio-Castillo was apprehended. He later admitted the gun was his.
  • Idenis Alexander Sanchez-Paredes, 22, charged with promoting prostitution, felony marijuana possession, evading arrest, and criminal impersonation.
  • Wilfredo Jose Mata-Fornerino, 37, charged with promoting prostitution, felony marijuana possession, and evading arrest.

Law enforcement officials stated that the investigation into this criminal operation is ongoing, with further arrests and action expected as authorities continue to probe the extent of the illicit activities tied to the brothel network.

This raid highlights the ongoing collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies to dismantle organized crime operations and protect communities from illegal activities.