COLUMBUS, Ga. – A four-day human trafficking operation, dubbed “Operation Lights Out,” has resulted in the arrest of 19 individuals, ranging in age from 21 to 68. The operation, which took place from April 25th to 27th, was a collaborative effort between 12 law enforcement agencies, including the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), and the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
The operation focused on identifying individuals who were engaged in sexually explicit communications with minors online, including those who attempted to arrange in-person meetings for sexual exploitation. The arrested individuals were charged with a range of offenses, including Human Trafficking and violations of the Computer or Electronic Pornography and Child Exploitation Prevention Act of 2007.
Law enforcement officials emphasized the operation’s focus on online predators who target children through social media and other internet platforms, seeking to introduce them to explicit content and arrange meetings for sexual encounters. Authorities have made it clear that this operation is part of an ongoing commitment to combat child exploitation and human trafficking.
The following individuals were arrested during the operation:
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Isael Alvarez, 43, Columbus, Ga. – Human Trafficking, subject to ICE Detainer
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Marquise Anderson, 37, Seale, Ala. – Human Trafficking
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Darnell Brooks, 40, Box Springs, Ga. – Human Trafficking
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Roger Burkes, 62, Columbus, Ga. – Computer or Electronic Pornography and Child Exploitation
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Javious Davenport, 30, LaGrange, Ga. – Human Trafficking
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Kevin Edosmwan, 38, Atlanta, Ga. – Computer or Electronic Pornography and Child Exploitation
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Jonathan Evans, 46, LaGrange, Ga. – Human Trafficking
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Galvin Latrell Gordey, 44, Pittsview, Ala. – Human Trafficking
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Muhammed Gwandu, 68, Ontario, Canada – Human Trafficking, subject to ICE Detainer
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Gene Melner, 37, Palatine, Ill. – Human Trafficking
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Greggory Corbitt Meeks, 45, LaGrange, Ga. – Human Trafficking
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Colton Lee McLamb, 23, Valley, Ala. – Computer or Electronic Pornography and Child Exploitation
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Zidarius Poole, 21, Columbus, Ga. – Computer or Electronic Pornography and Child Exploitation
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Hunter Salmi, 22, Phenix City, Ala. – Computer or Electronic Pornography and Child Exploitation
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Marco Antonio Santos Chavez, 30, Fort Payne, Ala. – Human Trafficking, subject to ICE Detainer
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Anthony Seldon, 34, Columbus, Ga. – Human Trafficking, Fleeing, Reckless Driving, Obstruction
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Cameron Shelley, 25, Columbus, Ga. – Human Trafficking
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Jungmok Shin, 33, Phenix City, Ala. – Human Trafficking
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Carl Sprayberry, 32, Columbus, Ga. – Human Trafficking
Authorities have stated that additional charges and arrests may follow.
Law enforcement agencies involved in the operation included the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division, and several local sheriff’s offices and police departments.
Officials are urging parents to monitor their children’s online activity closely to help prevent further exploitation. The ongoing effort to ensure the safety of children remains a top priority for law enforcement.
