The Huntsville Police Department announced the arrest of nine people in a recent human trafficking sting.
Covenant Rescue Group assisted the department in conducting the two-day string targeting child predators on January 23 and 24. Those involved in the operation confirmed to 1819 News that some of the suspects were illegal aliens. However, the exact number is unknown because Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is still working to confirm status.
“The offenders solicited and targeted decoys they believed to be minors via chat rooms, social media platforms and other online portals,” the department stated. “They agreed to pay for sexual acts with minors and traveled to designated locations in Huntsville to commit these crimes.”
Marco Elias, 31, of Gulfport, Texas, is charged with two counts of first-degree human trafficking, two counts of electronic solicitation of a child and two counts of traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
Floyd Corey Powell Jr., 31, of Harvest, is charged with first-degree human trafficking, distribute/transmit obscene material to a child by an electronic device, electronic solicitation of a child and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
Michael John Fike, 53, of Somerville, is charged with first-degree human trafficking, traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act and electronic solicitation of a child.
Shivam Patel, 23, of Muscle Shoals, is charged with two counts of first-degree human trafficking, two counts of traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act and two counts of electronic solicitation of a child.
Michael Anthony Stevens, 33, of Albertville, is charged with two counts of first-degree human trafficking, two counts of traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act and two counts of electronic solicitation of a child.
Juilo Tomas Juan, 22, of Decatur, is charged with first-degree human trafficking, traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act and electronic solicitation of a child.
Gilmar Aralto Elias Huinac, 45, of Carthage, Mo., is charged with first-degree human trafficking, traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act and electronic solicitation of a child.
Elmer Geovany Sarmiento, 32, of Huntsville, is charged with first-degree human trafficking, traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act and electronic solicitation of a child.
Bryan Tse Nde, 27, of Huntsville, is charged with first-degree human trafficking, traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act and electronic solicitation of a child.
More charges could be added.
The Madison County District Attorney’s Office and Morgan County Sheriff’s Office collaborated in the effort.
The suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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