19 men, ages 21-68, arrested in 4-day human trafficking operation in Georgia
MUSCOGEE COUNTY, Ga. - Nineteen men ranging in age from 21 to 68 have been arrested in a four-day human trafficking operation in Georgia targeting online predators who attempted to exploit children.
What we know
Dubbed Operation Lights Out, the undercover sting was led by the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office (MCSO), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), and the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The operation ran from April 25 to April 27 and involved 12 law enforcement agencies from across Georgia and beyond.
According to officials, the suspects engaged in sexually explicit communication online with people they believed to be minors and arranged to meet them for sex. Some traveled to do so, unaware they were actually interacting with undercover agents. Authorities say both boys and girls were targeted.
What they're saying
"These predators will travel from near and far to victimize your children," said a statement from the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office. "We take these crimes against children very seriously."
Officials urged parents to closely monitor their children's online activity, warning that many predators use social media and internet chat platforms to make contact with minors and introduce them to sexual content.
What's next
Several of the suspects face charges under Georgia's Human Trafficking law, while others were charged under the Computer or Electronic Pornography and Child Exploitation Prevention Act. Three of the men arrested are also subject to ICE detainers due to their immigration status.
Those arrested include:
Isael Alvarez, 43, Columbus, GA – Human Trafficking, ICE detainer
Marquise Anderson, 37, Seale, AL – Human Trafficking
Darnell Brooks, 40, Box Springs, GA – Human Trafficking
Roger Burkes, 62, Columbus, GA – Computer/Child Exploitation charges
Javious Davenport, 30, LaGrange, GA – Human Trafficking
Kevin Edosmwan, 38, Atlanta, GA – Computer/Child Exploitation charges
Jonathan Evans, 46, LaGrange, GA – Human Trafficking
Galvin Gordey, 44, Pittsview, AL – Human Trafficking
Muhammed Gwandu, 68, Ontario, Canada – Human Trafficking, ICE detainer
Gene Melner, 37, Palatine, IL – Human Trafficking
Greggory Meeks, 45, LaGrange, GA – Human Trafficking
Colton McLamb, 23, Valley, AL – Computer/Child Exploitation charges
Zidarius Poole, 21, Columbus, GA – Computer/Child Exploitation charges
Hunter Salmi, 22, Phenix City, AL – Computer/Child Exploitation charges
Marco Santos Chavez, 30, Fort Payne, AL – Human Trafficking, ICE detainer
Anthony Seldon, 34, Columbus, GA – Human Trafficking, Fleeing, Obstruction, Reckless Driving
Cameron Shelley, 25, Columbus, GA – Human Trafficking
Jungmok Shin, 33, Phenix City, AL – Human Trafficking
Carl Sprayberry, 32, Columbus, GA – Human Trafficking
Additional arrests and charges may follow as the investigation continues.
Agencies involved in the operation:
Muscogee County Sheriff's Office
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
U.S. Secret Service
Homeland Security Investigations
U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division
Forsyth, Cherokee, Jasper, and Colquitt County Sheriff's Offices
Polk County Police Department
Gwinnett County Police Department
Officials say this will not be the last human trafficking operation conducted in Georgia as law enforcement remains focused on ending child exploitation.
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