The Spanish Fort Police Department released the identities of seven people facing charges following a human trafficking operation. In just one day, the team was able to connect with the suspects in an undercover sex sting.
"Operations like this are important in identifying those who seek to purchase sexual acts and in locating potential victims who may need assistance and support," said police chief John Barber. "The parallel investigation into the buyers should serve as a warning to others that the person on the other side of the phone could be a police officer with 10 others waiting to arrest them whenever they show up."
Several agencies participated in training leading up to the sting.
Barber said one of the seven suspects was not taken into custody due to a medical emergency, but he will be charged at a later date.
Those arrested for agreeing to engage or participate in an act of prostitution were Shailesh Pravinchandra Patel, 51, of Spanish Fort; Isai Chagala Rodriguez, 36, of Irvington; Curtis Riley Anderson, 45, Grove Hill; Silas Emanual Lopez, 26, of Louisiana; Harry Crawford Bush, 53, of Fairhope; and Andrew Todd Miller, 57, of Florida.
A warrant will be signed for Christian Roney Erazo Cruz, 36, of New Mexico.
"We appreciate the partnership with Little Tree Project and the cooperation of surrounding law enforcement agencies that participated in this training and operation," Barber said. "Human trafficking is a complex issue that requires collaboration, education, and proactive enforcement."
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