A joint, two-day operation conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies in Autauga County led to the arrest of 15 men on multiple counts related to child trafficking and solicitation.
The Autauga County Sheriff's Office conducted the sting with assistance from the Covenant Rescue Group, Prattville Police Department, Montgomery Police Department, U.S. Marshals and the 19th Judicial Circuit.
According to Josh Cochran with the Autauga County District Attorney's office, 14 of the 15 individuals face charges of first-degree human trafficking, traveling to meet a minor for a sex act and electronic solicitation of a child. Those 14 were denied bond under Alabama's Aniah's law, which allows for judges to deny bond in some instances. The 15th suspect is charged with traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
The suspects are William Denton of Millbrook, Aaron Schofield of Lapine, Parrish Patton of Deatsville, Eric Billups of Montgomery, Jefferson Andrews of Greenville, Horace O'Neal Cooper of Prattville, Christopher Cheatham of Montgomery, Michael Edward Martin of Autaugaville, Richard Terrones of Wetumpka, Joshua Harp of Columbus Georgia, Jaylen Ahjier Kennedy of Prattville, Michael Len Wright of Montgomery, Jeff Bozeman of Wetumpka, Ki-shawn Powell of Tuskegee and Austin Gill of Bainbridge, Georgia.
Most of the men were from the River Region, though several appear to have traveled from out of state.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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