During an Investigation in Limestone County, Nine People Were Detained for Attempting Human Trafficking and Soliciting Children

Limestone County, Ala. – The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Athens Police Department, recently carried out an undercover child exploitation investigation that led to the arrest of 10 individuals. Nine men were apprehended for attempting to solicit and traffic children, who were, in reality, undercover officers posing as minors in online chat rooms, including Snapchat.

The joint operation aimed to target individuals seeking to exploit minors online. The arrested individuals face multiple charges, including attempted human trafficking and electronic solicitation of a child. According to authorities, all nine were attempting to meet the undercover officers in person for illicit activities.

In a separate incident during the same investigation, an 18-year-old from Huntsville was arrested on charges of public intoxication, attempting to elude law enforcement, and second-degree possession of marijuana. This individual was released on a $2,500 bond.

The following individuals were arrested and charged with offenses related to child exploitation:

• Barry Louvert Knight Jr. (23) of Madison, AL – Held on a $200,000 bond
  Charges: First-degree Attempted Human Trafficking, Electronic Solicitation of a Child, Traveling to Meet a Child for an Unlawful Sex Act.
• Cederick Lamar White (40) of Athens, AL – Held on a $200,000 bond
  Charges: First-degree Attempted Human Trafficking, Electronic Solicitation of a Child, Traveling to Meet a Child for an Unlawful Sex Act.
• Ladi Antiono Hernandez (26) of Indian Town, FL – Released on a $200,000 bond
  Charges: First-degree Attempted Human Trafficking, Electronic Solicitation of a Child, Traveling to Meet a Child for an Unlawful Sex Act.
• Enrique Marquez Hipolito (23) of Decatur, AL – Released on a $200,000 bond
  Charges: First-degree Attempted Human Trafficking, Electronic Solicitation of a Child, Traveling to Meet a Child for an Unlawful Sex Act.
• Raul Aguilar Martinez (36) of Decatur, AL – Released on a $200,000 bond
  Charges: First-degree Attempted Human Trafficking, Electronic Solicitation of a Child, Traveling to Meet a Child for an Unlawful Sex Act.
• Brandon Lee Smith (28) of Prospect, TN – Released on a $200,000 bond
  Charges: First-degree Attempted Human Trafficking, Electronic Solicitation of a Child, Traveling to Meet a Child for an Unlawful Sex Act.
• Daevid Marcelius Williams (34) of Huntsville, AL – Released on a $200,000 bond
  Charges: First-degree Attempted Human Trafficking, Electronic Solicitation of a Child, Traveling to Meet a Child for an Unlawful Sex Act.
• Jakobe Ray Fields (22) of Muscle Shoals, AL – Released on a $200,000 bond
  Charges: First-degree Attempted Human Trafficking, Electronic Solicitation of a Child, Traveling to Meet a Child for an Unlawful Sex Act.

The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office commended the joint efforts of law enforcement officers for their vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation. Further investigations into online child exploitation in the area are expected to continue as authorities encourage the public to report any suspicious activity.