TBI searching for more victims of Brentwood man indicted on dozens of child sexual exploitation charges – WSMV

Investigation into Child Exploitation Case in Brentwood, Tennessee

Background and Arrest

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is actively investigating a case involving a Brentwood man accused of multiple child exploitation offenses. The suspect, 31-year-old Scott Quarles, was arrested in 2024 following an undercover internet operation where special agents posed as underage girls.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

In January 2026, a Williamson County Grand Jury indicted Scott Quarles on over 40 charges, including:

• 30 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor
• 5 counts of aggravated statutory rape of a minor
• 3 counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor
• 2 counts of especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor
• 1 count of exploitation of a minor by electronic means
• 1 count of sexual exploitation of a minor

Quarles was arrested on January 21 and is currently held at Williamson County Jail on a $1 million bond.

Ongoing Investigation and Community Appeal

The TBI is seeking to identify any additional victims who may have been exploited by Quarles. Individuals who may have had contact with Quarles or with usernames “scofett” on the Kik app or “Paul Herring” (pherring37) on Snapchat are urged to contact authorities at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Promoting Justice: The investigation and prosecution of Scott Quarles exemplify efforts to uphold justice and protect vulnerable populations, particularly children, from exploitation.
• Strengthening Institutions: The TBI’s proactive undercover operation demonstrates the role of strong institutions in combating crime and ensuring public safety.

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Protecting Children’s Well-being: Addressing child exploitation directly contributes to safeguarding the physical and mental health of minors, promoting their overall well-being.

Goal 5: Gender Equality

• Ending Violence Against Children: The case highlights the importance of protecting girls and boys from sexual violence and exploitation, advancing gender equality and child rights.

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Community Engagement: The TBI’s call for community assistance in identifying victims reflects the importance of partnerships between law enforcement and the public to achieve sustainable development outcomes.

Conclusion

The ongoing investigation into Scott Quarles’ alleged crimes underscores the critical need for continued vigilance and collaboration to protect children from exploitation. This case aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals by promoting justice, protecting health and well-being, advancing gender equality, and fostering partnerships for a safer community.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses criminal investigation and prosecution related to child exploitation crimes, which aligns with SDG 16’s focus on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Child sexual exploitation disproportionately affects girls and women, and efforts to combat such abuse contribute to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Addressing child sexual exploitation is critical to ensuring the health and well-being of children, including their mental and physical health.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 16 Targets
   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
2. SDG 5 Targets
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
3. SDG 3 Targets
   • Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being, which is relevant given the psychological impact of child sexual exploitation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Indicators for SDG 16.2
   • Number of victims identified and protected from sexual exploitation and abuse.
   • Number of arrests and prosecutions related to child sexual exploitation crimes.
   • Number of investigations conducted by law enforcement agencies (e.g., TBI’s undercover operations).
2. Indicators for SDG 16.3
   • Proportion of victims who have access to justice and legal remedies.
   • Effectiveness of judicial processes in handling cases of child exploitation.
3. Indicators for SDG 5.2
   • Prevalence rates of violence against girls, including sexual exploitation cases reported and prosecuted.
4. Indicators for SDG 3.4
   • Access to mental health services for victims of abuse.
   • Measures of psychological well-being and recovery among affected children.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: wsmv.com