A suspect arrested in a Cullman sex sting operation has ties to the Mexican cartel, according to investigators.
Rodrigo Uriel Hernandez, 25, is charged with two counts of first-degree human trafficking, electronic solicitation of a child and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
Hernandez, an illegal alien from Mexico, is accused of having ties to cartel-related human trafficking operations, according to Covenant Rescue Group (CRG).
The Cullman Police Department conducted the sting along with CRG. Investigators said Hernandez traveled to Cullman to meet a minor for sexual activity. Hernandez and four others were arrested during the undercover operation.
CRG said the cartel Hernandez is involved with has kidnapped and forced young women into criminal networks.
“Every child deserves protection, and every predator should expect consequences,” said CRG CEO Jared Hudson. “When individuals tied to cartel trafficking networks are showing up in Alabama attempting to traffic minors, it underscores the severity of the problem. We will continue working alongside law enforcement to identify these evil people, expose them, and ensure justice is served.”
Additional agencies are working on identifying potential international connections.
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