By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
MORGAN COUNTY, Ala. — Four men are in custody following a north Alabama sting operation targeting individuals accused of attempting to exploit children online, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office announced.
The investigation, titled “Operation Fright Night,” was conducted by the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division to identify suspects who engaged in sexually explicit conversations with minors and traveled to meet them for unlawful sexual activity. The operation was part of an ongoing effort by local and state agencies to monitor digital platforms and protect minors from online predators.
Among those arrested was Raul Ledesma Aleman, 47, who faces charges of human trafficking, traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act, and electronic solicitation of a child. Authorities said Aleman is being held under an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer pending further review.
Also arrested were Barry Canaan Cook, 36, Terrance Louis Carter, 33, and Logan Micahl Hansard, 28, all of Decatur. The four suspects were transported to and booked in the Morgan County Jail, where they are being held without bond.
Because of the severity of the charges, each suspect will have an Aniah’s Law hearing, allowing a judge to determine whether they may be denied bond prior to trial.
Sheriff Ron Puckett praised investigators and partner agencies for their continued efforts to safeguard children.
“Focusing on catching those who would prey on our children is a top priority,” Sheriff Puckett said. “Whether it is online or in person, we will continue to develop ways to intercept these threats. I’m proud of our team and the time they have dedicated to these types of operations.”
The sheriff’s office said Operation Fright Night will continue as investigators pursue additional leads in the ongoing fight against child exploitation in north Alabama.