A McMinn County man who was originally arrested in April during a statewide operation against child exploitation is now facing additional charges. After an ongoing investigation, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) discovered new evidence indicating his involvement in the production of child sexual abuse material. In a recent action, codenamed 'Operation Protecting Tomorrow,' TBI agents identified at least two dozen victims of online child exploitation and sextortion, in which Cody Gunter was initially charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Solicitation of a Minor, as reported by WATE.

Gunter has since been connected to further illicit activities, and the evidence led to new charges added to his file—the TBI disclosed in a statement obtained by WBIR that, agents in July identified victims linked to him and consequently charged him with three counts of Especially Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in July; Gunter is presently held without bond at the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department since he turned himself in on August 1.

The investigation's reach and coordination were substantial, involving multiple law enforcement agencies—the Sheriffs' Offices of Rhea County, Fentress County, Cumberland County, and the Graysville and Crossville Police Departments all assisted in locating Gunter, as detailed by the TBI Newsroom. Gunter's legal counsel has yet to publically address these new accusations.

It's crucial to note that the suspect's charges are merely accusations, at this point the individual stands innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law which is a cornerstone principle of the American judicial system, information provided on the TBI's news release emphasized that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty through the due process of law; this release was pointed out by both WATE and the TBI Newsroom.