A Guatemalan man has been found guilty of multiple child exploitation offenses by a Limestone County jury.
According to the Limestone County Sheriff's Office, 29-year-old Edgar Josue Castro-Juarez was unanimously convicted earlier this week after a three-day trial of electronic solicitation of a child, traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act, and first-degree attempted human trafficking.
"I want to thank Covenant Rescue Group, Athens Police Department, our Special Operations Team, and the District Attorney's Office for the countless hours they devoted to this investigation and prosecution," said Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin. "Limestone County will not tolerate those who prey on children."
"This conviction demonstrates our firm resolve to protect the most vulnerable members of our community," McLaughlin added.
Castro-Juarez was arrested as part of McLaughlin's Millstone Project, an initiative started in February 2024 in partnership with the Athens Police Department and Covenant Rescue Group to combat child exploitation in the county. Millstone Project operations have led to the arrest of nearly 50 individuals.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 2026.
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