A missing out-of-state juvenile has been rescued, and a targeted operation against child sex predators has led to the arrest of nine individuals on a total of 36 charges, according to a release from the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO).

On Thursday, March 6, Deputy Dylan Legg responded to a disturbance call and discovered a juvenile reported missing from another state. Recognizing signs of human trafficking, Legg took immediate action to rescue the juvenile — who had fallen victim to sex trafficking after being lured online.

Authorities ensured the child’s safe return to their family through coordination with juvenile probation, Limestone County’s Department of Human Resources (DHR) and out-of-state agencies. 

This investigation remains ongoing, with potential local charges pending. Additionally, an out-of-state agency has issued warrants for an individual suspected of taking the juvenile. To protect the victim’s identity, no further details will be released at this time.

Operation Targets Child Sex Predators

Between Sunday, March 9, and Saturday, March 15, the Limestone County Criminal Investigation Division, with assistance from Patrol and Corrections staff, conducted a targeted special operation resulting in nine arrests on charges related to human trafficking and child exploitation.

“These are exactly the types of predators we are targeting, those talking to kids on apps like Snapchat, where they think we can’t save their disturbing messages,” Captain Caleb Durden stated in the release. “We can, and we do, and we plan to use their own words and actions to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. What’s most disturbing to me is the position some of these individuals hold in their communities, living double lives and preying on the most vulnerable kids. These predators sought out kids for sex acts, agreed to pay to have sex with children, and then traveled from many different locations to do so before being arrested by my team, who did an outstanding, professional, and thorough job.”

The following individuals were arrested and charged:

— A 30-year-old Huntsville, AL, man

— A 40-year-old Athens, AL, man

— A 53-year-old Cameron, NC, man

— A 33-year-old Gadsden, AL, man

— A 34-year-old Huntsville, AL, man

— A 36-year-old Huntsville, AL, man

Each of the individuals faces charges of Human Trafficking in the First Degree, Electronic Solicitation of a Child and Traveling to Meet a Minor for an Unlawful Sex Act. Additionally, the following individuals were arrested and face enhanced charges:

— A 24-year-old Harvest, AL, man

— A 52-year-old Russellville, AL, man

— A 28-year-old Huntsville, AL, man

Each of these individuals is charged with two counts of Human Trafficking in the First Degree, two counts of Electronic Solicitation of a Child and two counts of Traveling to Meet a Minor for an Unlawful Sex Act. Bonds for the suspects will be determined later by a judge.

This operation reinforces the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to protecting children and ensuring that those who prey on minors are brought to justice. Law enforcement agencies continue to work together to combat human trafficking and online exploitation.

“Parents, please stay vigilant about your children’s online activities,” Limestone County Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin stated. “No one ever thinks it will happen to their child, but predators are out there, hiding behind screens, waiting for an opportunity. Monitor their games, phones, and any internet-connected devices. These special operations are complex and time-consuming, but I could not be more proud of the dedicated professionals with the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office who work tirelessly to protect our community. Since February 2024, these operations have led to 27 arrests in Limestone County, each one a step toward keeping our children safe.”