Local Man Arrested IN TBI’s Operation Autumn Shield

A Lawrence County man was among ten persons arrested in connection with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s  Operation Autumn Shield.  The operation was designed to identify and locate child victims of online sexual exploitation and sextortion in Tennessee, and arrest of those whose goal is to harm children online.  Nineteen child victims were identified, and authorities were able to complete rescue operations for five of the victims.  Stephen Thomas Dyer, age 28, of Lawrence County was arrested on one count of sexual exploitation of a minor.  Officials indicate that additional arrests may be forthcoming.