Albertville man busted in online child predator sting | News
In a significant crackdown on online child predators, a two-day operation in Madison County culminated in the arrest of nine men, including 22-year-old Michael Stevens from Albertville, who faces multiple serious charges, such as first-degree human trafficking and Electronic Solicitation of a Child. The operation, conducted by a coalition of law enforcement agencies including the Huntsville Police Department and the Madison County District Attorney’s Office, targeted individuals believed to be soliciting minors for sexual acts through social media and online chat rooms.
Among those arrested were Marco Elias of Gulfport, Texas, and Floyd Corey Powell Jr. of Harvest, who also face charges related to human trafficking and unlawful meetings with minors. Other individuals, including 53-year-old Michael Fike from Somerville and 23-year-old Shivam Patel from Muscle Shoals, were similarly charged, reflecting a wide net of allegations against an array of suspects from varying locations.
The comprehensive investigation revealed that the men had engaged with decoys they believed to be underage individuals, agreeing to meet at predetermined locations in Huntsville. While all suspects maintain their innocence until proven guilty, law enforcement officials express confidence that sufficient evidence exists to substantiate the serious allegations. The operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat online predation, with all arrested individuals booked at the Madison County Jail without bond as the investigation continues.
Read the complete article here: https://www.sandmountainreporter.com/news/article_0c12785c-de65-11ef-b7d9-439d73008a31.html
