On Sunday, Jan. 19, deputies responded to a call regarding a suspect caught in the act of abusing a child less than 12 years old, according to a release from the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office.

Upon arrival, Deputy Bradley Fontenot discovered that the victim’s family had detained the suspect after he was caught in the act of sexually abusing the child until deputies could arrive.

The suspect, who was initially identified as another man but was later confirmed to be a 38-year-old man from Guatemala, was taken into custody by Deputy Fontenot. The victim was immediately transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation and care.

Investigator Kandace Wilson responded to the scene to lead the investigation. During an interview, the 38-year-old man confessed to Sexual Abuse of a Child Less than 12 Years Old, stating, “it is what it is.” 

The man was then subsequently arrested and charged. His bond was set at $250,000. Additionally, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed an immigration detainer on the suspect.

“I would like to thank Deputy Fontenot and Investigator Wilson for their dedication and tireless efforts in seeking justice for this innocent child,” Limestone County Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin stated in the release. “Their efforts reinforce our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and ensuring that justice is served.” 

This investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed as new evidence emerges.

The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office also announced charges against a Tuscumbia man following an online operation conducted by investigators last year.

On Sept. 19, 2024, Limestone County Sheriff’s investigators were working undercover online to identify and apprehend individuals targeting minors. During this operation, an individual using a fake account initiated contact with an investigator posing as a juvenile, according to another release from the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office.

Despite being informed of the juvenile’s age, the suspect solicited sex requested nude photographs and offered $1,000 for a sexual encounter.

The same individual later contacted another undercover officer and repeated these behaviors. During these interactions, the suspect sent photos of himself, proof of payment and his phone number. He also issued threats of extortion, demanding nude photos from the juveniles.

Through thorough investigative work, Captain Caleb Durden and Investigator Jesse Gibson identified the offender as a 43-year-old Tuscumbia man.

On Oct. 1, 2024, the man started serving a two-year sentence in the Alabama Department of Corrections for unrelated charges in Colbert County. His earliest release date is September 29, 2026.

Upon his release from the Alabama Department of Corrections, he will face the following six warrants in Limestone County:

— Two counts of Attempted Human Trafficking

— Two counts of Electronic Solicitation of a Child

— Two counts of Sexual Extortion

No bond has been set for these charges, and the man will be served with the warrants upon his release from prison.

“The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting our children,” McLaughlin stated in the release. “These actions demonstrate the dangers that exist online, and we will continue to dedicate our resources to identify and prosecute individuals who prey on children. This investigation stresses the importance of parents and guardians being vigilant about their children’s online activities and open communication about internet safety.”