LPD arrests 83-year-old man for attempting to purchase child

LAFOLLETTE, TN. (WLAF)- Tonight, LaFollette Police stopped a man from buying a child. The arrest was the culmination of an ongoing investigation.

Around 8pm, the LPD arrested 83-year-old Thomas Elsea in the parking lot of local Mexican restaurant, according to LPD Chief Matt Forsyth.

Elsea, a LaFollette resident, was charged with illegal payments in connection with the placement of a child. This is a Class C Felony. “This charge is in reference to attempting to purchase a child,” Forsyth said.

Because this is an ongoing investigation, few details are being released, the chief said. Elsea is being booked into the Campbell County Jail.

The LPD is the lead agency with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation assisting.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 5/9/2025-10:25PM)