DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — Eight people were arrested in a human trafficking sting operation in DeKalb County.
The Sheriff’s Office announced on Monday that all of them face serious charges for traveling to meet a child for unlawful sexual acts.
The undercover operation, called "Operation Merry Christmas," took place on December 14. It was led by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Unit, aiming to protect children from exploitation.
Authorities revealed that the suspects knew they were meeting someone under the age of 16 with the intent of sexual contact. Some of them arrived armed with knives or guns, which heightened the urgency of the operation.
During the sting, investigators seized seven vehicles, more than $2,000 in cash, one firearm, and other weapons. The operation was carefully planned to ensure the safety of the public while effectively addressing the threat of child exploitation.
According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, one in six missing children is a victim of child sex trafficking.
DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden addressed the incident, stating, “This should really open peoples’ eyes to what is lurking right here in our very own county. (Evil monsters) Child trafficking and child sex crimes have been on the rise across the entire county in the last few years. It’s a crime that’s hard to spot, hard to work, and hard to convict on.”
He added, “The best way to fight it and keep it away from our children and our community is to start hunting it down! This is exactly what our Investigation Unit did, and I am proud of their willingness to put in all their energy to better protect ALL our families and OUR FUTURE!”
