56-year-old Mark Stenglein, of Maynardville, Tennessee, was taken into custody on Monday following an investigation into allegations that he attempted to solicit a minor for sex.
The investigation began at around 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, when Knoxville Police Department officers were approached by an individual in the 400 block of N. Broadway. That individual reported that they encountered an unknown man on Friday, November 21 around Gay Street and Magnolia Avenue who offered money in an exchange for finding a child for sexual activities. The suspect was said to be driving a white Chevrolet Suburban.
Through continued investigation, officers positively identified the suspect vehicle as well as a phone number connected to the suspect, who was subsequently identified as Stenglein.
On Monday, Stenglein was taken into custody around Magnolia Avenue and Gay Street after arranging via text to pay a witness for finding a juvenile to have sex with him. A search of the suspect vehicle found evidence supporting his intentions to engage in sexual activities.
Stenglein has been charged with trafficking for commercial sex act using a motor vehicle and two counts of solicitation of a minor.
The investigation and arrest were led by KPD Special Crimes Unit detectives with the assistance of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Organized Crime Unit detectives, Special Operations Squad officers and patrol officers.
