Thanks to an ongoing operation fighting child exploitation, the Limestone County Sheriff's Office recently charged and arrested 11 men with human trafficking related offenses.
Three of those taken into custody, according to a WAFF report, have been listed as residents of Mexico and are now being held on an ICE detainer.
"I want to thank our community for your support and recognize the tireless commitment of our deputies and partners who made this operation possible," said Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin. "Together, we prevented predators from reaching our children and removed dangerous drugs, firearms, and materials connected to child exploitation. Let me be absolutely clear: we will not stop. We will chase down every lead, investigate every report, and bring to justice anyone who tries to harm or exploit a child in Limestone County."
McLaughlin urged the public to be vigilant for any indications of human trafficking.
"If you see or suspect something, do not stay silent; report it to us by phone, email, our Limestone County Sheriff's App, or our website. You may remain anonymous, but your call could be the one that protects an innocent child's life."
Captain Caleb Durden, chief investigator, also issued a stern warning to potential offenders.
"Some in this group came to meet children with firearms, counterfeit money, drugs, and even plans to traffic victims to others for sex," Durden said. "Let me be clear: God's children are not for sale. If you attempt to prey on kids in Limestone County, you will face this highly trained, relentless team, and you will be brought to justice. Stay out of our county."
Those arrested and charged in the multi-day online child exploitation sting are:
- Joshua Thrower, 26, Guntersville. Charged with Human Trafficking, traveling to meet a minor for an unlawful sex act, and electronic solicitation of a Child.
- Eduardo Tomas, 19, Athens. Charged with Human Trafficking, Traveling to meet a minor for an unlawful sex act, and Electronic Solicitation of a Child.
- Deante Mallory, 26, Huntsville. Human Trafficking, 1st, Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sex Act, Electronic Solicitation of a Child.
- Stacey Lewis, 32, Decatur. Human Trafficking, 1st, Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sex Act, Electronic Solicitation of a Child.
- Anthony Greene, 42, Huntsville. Human Trafficking, 1st, Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sex Act, Electronic Solicitation of a Child.
- Eligah Redus, 30, Athens. Human Trafficking, 1st, Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sex Act, Electronic Solicitation of a Child, Attempting to Elude, Possession of Marijuana II, Resisting Arrest.
- Lucio Mateos-Hernandez, 33, Mexico. Human Trafficking, 1st, Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sex Act, Electronic Solicitation of a Child (ICE Detainer).
- Jajuan Tavarez, 24, Tuscaloosa. Human Trafficking, 1st, Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sex Act, Electronic Solicitation of a Child.
- Edgar Lopez-Salucio, 25, Mexico. Human Trafficking, 1st, Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sex Act, Electronic Solicitation of a Child (ICE Detainer).
- John Cleveland, 44, Huntsville. Human Trafficking, 1st, Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sex Act, Electronic Solicitation of a Child.
- Geyner Lopez-Hernandez, 33, Mexico. Human Trafficking, 1st, Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sex Act, Electronic Solicitation of a Child (ICE Detainer).
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