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A 36-year-old Elizabethton woman was arrested Wednesday following a joint undercover prostitution investigation conducted by the Carter County Sheriff’s Office and the Elizabethton Police Department.

Melissa Sue Timbs was charged with one count of prostitution after investigators identified her through online advertisements that allegedly offered sexual services.

According to law enforcement, the ads were posted on a website commonly used for prostitution and featured photographs of a woman later identified as Timbs. The ads listed a phone number and an Elizabethton location. Investigators traced the number to Timbs and contacted her while posing as a potential client.

Authorities said Timbs agreed to meet that evening and provided an address in Elizabethton. During the meeting, an undercover investigator told Timbs he had $200 and asked what services were available. After a brief discussion, Timbs allegedly instructed him to place the money on the table.

At that point, officers entered the residence and detained Timbs. After being advised of her Miranda rights, Timbs agreed to cooperate with the investigation, officials said.

Officers reported finding $850 in her purse. Timbs allegedly told investigators that part of the money was earned through prostitution and that she is unemployed and relies on providing such services for income. The money was seized as part of the investigation.

Timbs was transported to the Carter County Detention Center, where she is being held on a $10,000 bond.

The investigation remains ongoing.