Sex trafficking of 14 year old girl

One suspect was charged with sex trafficking of a 14-year-old runaway Friday outside a Smyrna hotel, a Rutherford County Sheriff’s detective said.

Clifford Hawkins, 66, of Raspberry Lane in Smyrna was charged additionally with attempted rape, sexual battery and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, said arresting Detective Andre’a Knox.

The girl ran away from home and was reported missing May 21.

Hawkins met her at the Walmart in Smyrna and allegedly transported her to three times to three different locations in Rutherford County, the detective said.

He allegedly took her to the hotel where a resident called police. Police responded and took the girl into custody. She was evaluated at St. Thomas Rutherford and returned home.

Hawkins was still in the parking lot waiting for her to return to the car. He was brought to the Sheriff’s Office for questioning where he was later arrested.

He is being held on $33,000 bond at Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. A hearing is pending in General Sessions Court.

The case remains under investigation by Knox.