“Operation Lights Out”: 19 arrested in multi-agency human trafficking sting targeting online child predators
GEORGIA (WALB) – A sweeping four-day operation involving 12 law enforcement agencies led to the arrest of 19 men suspected of attempting to exploit children through online platforms.
The coordinated effort, dubbed “Operation Lights Out,” was led by the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, GBI, and the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
According to the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, the suspects, ranging in age from 21 to 68, allegedly engaged in sexually explicit online conversations with minors and arranged in-person meetings to commit sexual acts. Investigators say the offenders traveled from across Georgia and neighboring states with the intent to exploit both boys and girls.
Among those arrested were truck drivers, engineers, sanitation workers, and others—several of whom are also facing immigration holds. Charges include human trafficking, attempted child exploitation, and computer pornography.
Officials stress that the work is far from over. “We will not stop until these predators are off our streets,” said Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman. “I urge parents to stay vigilant—these individuals will travel miles to prey on children.”
Authorities say more arrests and charges may follow.
Anyone with information about child exploitation or online predators is urged to contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation or submit tips anonymously at gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online.
Additional charges and arrests may follow.
Law enforcement agencies involved in the operation include:
- 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
- Gwinnett County Police
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