Operation Nets 19 Arrests in Muscogee County Child Exploitation Sting
A four-day operation targeting online child predators in Muscogee County resulted in the arrest of 19 individuals, ranging in age from 21 to 68. “Operation Lights Out,” conducted between April 25th and 27th, was a collaborative effort involving 12 law enforcement agencies, including the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and federal agencies.
The operation focused on individuals engaged in sexually explicit communication with children online, those arranging to meet children for sex, and those traveling for the purpose of child sex tourism. Authorities emphasized that the operation targeted those willing to pay for sex with a minor, who often use social media and websites to groom and solicit children. Both boys and girls were targeted by these predators.
Sheriff Greg Countryman issued a strong statement, vowing that efforts to stop predators targeting children will continue. He urged parents to closely monitor their children’s online activity and warned that predators will travel from anywhere to victimize children. He affirmed law enforcement’s commitment to finding and prosecuting these offenders to the fullest extent of the law.
The following individuals were arrested and charged during “Operation Lights Out”:
- 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 or Electronic Pornography, Child Exploitation Prevention Act of 2007
- Javious Davenport, 30, LaGrange, GA: Human Trafficking
- Kevin Edosmwan, 38, Atlanta, GA: Computer or Electronic Pornography, Child Exploitation Prevention Act of 2007
- Jonathan Evans, 46, LaGrange, GA: Human Trafficking
- Galvin Latrell Gordey, 44, Pittsview, AL: Human Trafficking
- Muhammed Gwandu, 68, Ontario, Canada: Human Trafficking (ICE Detainer)
- Gene Melner, 37, Palatine, IL: Human Trafficking
- Greggory Corbitt Meeks, 45, LaGrange, GA: Human Trafficking
- Colton Lee McLamb, 23, Valley, AL: Computer or Electronic Pornography, Child Exploitation Prevention Act of 2007
- Zidarius Poole, 21, Columbus, GA: Computer or Electronic Pornography, Child Exploitation Prevention Act of 2007
- Hunter Salmi, 22, Phenix City, AL: Computer or Electronic Pornography, Child Exploitation Prevention Act of 2007
- Marco Antonio Santos Chavez, 30, Fort Payne, AL: Human Trafficking (ICE Detainer)
- Anthony Seldon, 34, Columbus, GA: Human Trafficking, Fleeing and Attempting to Elude, Reckless Driving, Willful Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers
- Cameron Shelley, 25, Columbus, GA: Human Trafficking
- Jungmok Shin, 33, Phenix City, AL: Human Trafficking
- Carl Sprayberry, 32, Columbus, GA: Human Trafficking
Authorities indicated that additional charges and arrests may follow as the investigation continues.
The collaborative effort involved the following law enforcement agencies: Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, United States Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Army Criminal Investigations Division, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, Polk County Police Department, and Gwinnett County Police.
