In a significant development regarding a case of sexual exploitation, authorities have apprehended a man from Lawrence County, who now faces multiple charges filed by special agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Squad. The investigation was initiated following a cybertip received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) on May 30. This tip contained alarming information about a woman who had suffered sexual exploitation and abuse during her childhood.
As the investigation progressed, agents uncovered that Juan Carlos Barturen, born on October 16, 1978, had engaged in a pattern of sexual exploitation and rape against the victim. On May 31, Barturen was arrested at Nashville International Airport, thanks to the collaborative efforts of TBI ICAC agents, Homeland Security Investigations officers, and the Nashville International Airport police.
Barturen now faces serious charges, including two counts of Statutory Rape by an Authority Figure, one count of Soliciting Sexual Exploitation of a Minor/Exploitation of a Minor by Electronic Means, and one count of Especially Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. Following his arrest, he was booked into the Lawrence County Jail, where he is currently being held without the possibility of bond. The investigation into this matter is still active and ongoing.
Authorities have noted that Barturen was known to frequently travel between Tennessee and Florida. In light of this, the TBI is urging anyone who may have additional information or who could potentially be a victim to reach out by calling 1-800-TBI-FIND or by emailing [email protected].