A heroic deputy’s intuition during a routine disturbance call led to the rescue of a child sex trafficking victim and the arrest of nine predators in a major Alabama sting operation.
At a Glance
- Nine men arrested in Limestone County, Alabama on 36 charges related to human trafficking and child exploitation
- A missing juvenile from out-of-state was rescued and safely reunited with family
- Deputy Dylan Legg identified signs of human trafficking during a disturbance call on March 6
- The operation was conducted between March 9-15, resulting in charges including First-Degree Human Trafficking and Electronic Solicitation of a Child
- Since February 2024, similar operations in Limestone County have resulted in 27 arrests
Deputy’s Vigilance Leads to Child Rescue
What began as a routine disturbance call turned into the rescue of a missing child and the dismantling of a sex trafficking operation in Limestone County, Alabama. On March 6, Deputy Dylan Legg responded to a call that appeared standard but quickly recognized signs of human trafficking. His vigilance led to the discovery of a juvenile who had been reported missing from another state and was being exploited through an online sex trafficking network. This initial encounter sparked an intensive week-long operation by the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office that would ultimately bring down multiple predators.
The operation, conducted by the Limestone County Criminal Investigation Division with support from Patrol and Corrections staff, unfolded between March 9 and March 15. It culminated in the arrest of nine individuals on a staggering 36 charges related to human trafficking and child exploitation. The successful sting operation not only removed dangerous predators from the streets but also facilitated the safe return of the juvenile victim to their family, with crucial assistance from juvenile probation officers, Limestone County DHR, and out-of-state agencies.
Serious Charges for Nine Predators
The severity of the crimes committed against the juvenile victim is reflected in the serious charges levied against the arrested individuals. Six men – Macario Mina, Robin Morneault, Stephen Carmac, Quan Zeng, Kevin Brooks, and Lavoris Mitchell – now face charges of First-Degree Human Trafficking, Electronic Solicitation of a Child, and Traveling to Meet a Minor for an Unlawful Sex Act. Three additional suspects – Darris Moore II, Donald Devaney, and Raul Alvarez-Lopez – face enhanced charges with two counts each of the aforementioned crimes, indicating the extent of their involvement in the trafficking network.
These arrests represent one of the most significant human trafficking busts in recent Alabama history. The bond amounts for these individuals will be determined by a judge at a later date, but given the nature of the charges, substantial bail can be expected. First-degree human trafficking is a Class A felony in Alabama, carrying potential sentences of 10 years to life imprisonment. The additional charges of electronic solicitation and traveling to meet a minor each carry their own severe penalties, potentially resulting in decades behind bars for these predators.
Ongoing Investigation and Prevention Efforts
The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office has not concluded its investigation, indicating that additional charges may be forthcoming as they delve deeper into the trafficking network. Authorities have also confirmed that an out-of-state agency has issued warrants for an individual suspected of initially taking the juvenile victim. To protect the victim’s identity and ensure their recovery, officials are withholding further details about the case. This commitment to victim protection while aggressively pursuing perpetrators demonstrates the balance required in human trafficking investigations.
This operation is part of a larger effort by the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office to combat child exploitation and human trafficking. Since February 2024, similar operations have resulted in 27 arrests, showing the persistent presence of trafficking networks and the equally persistent efforts of law enforcement to dismantle them. Authorities continue to emphasize the critical importance of parental vigilance regarding children’s online activities, as internet platforms remain the primary method traffickers use to identify, groom, and exploit vulnerable minors.
