Two Chattanooga men have pleaded not guilty to charges involving conspiracy, kidnapping and sex trafficking and could face up to life in prison if convicted.
According to a press release from the Department of Justice, on May 17 a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Corrie Gillispie, 40, aka "Tyme," "BiggtymeChattanoogatyme" and "Profit Tyme," and Willie Watkins, 40, aka "Block Baker," "Soldier" and "Killer."
Both were arrested on May 26 by agents of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations and the Chattanooga Police Department.
The following day the pair had initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher H. Steger. Gillispie is scheduled for a detention hearing on May 31, 2016, at 11 a.m., but Watkins waived his detention hearing and is not currently scheduled for any further court appearances.
If convicted of kidnapping, both face up to life in prison and if convicted of sex trafficking, Gillispie faces no less than 15 years in prison and will be placed on the sex offender registry for at least 25 years.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by HSI, the FBI and CPD and anyone with information that could assist law enforcement is asked to call 866-347-2423.