The U.S. Marshals Service announced that 39 children have been rescued during a major sex trafficking bust in Georgia. For the past two weeks, the U.S.Marshals Fugitive Hunters have been conducting raids with state and federal authorities as part of "Operation Not Forgotten," in which they arrested nine people on various charges, including sex trafficking, parental kidnapping, and drug and weapon violations.
Officials said that 26 endangered children were rescued, and 13 missing children were also located during the raids.
"These missing children were considered to be some of the most at-risk and challenging recovery cases in the area, based on indications of high-risk factors such as victimization of child sex trafficking, child exploitation, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and medical or mental health conditions," the U.S. Marshals Service said in a press release. "Other children were located at the request of law enforcement to ensure their wellbeing."
Four of the suspects were taken into custody in Florida and are being extradited to Georgia to face charges.
WSB-TV identified the nine suspects.
- Moradeyo Amos Bandele – Arrested in Port St Lucie, FL – Warrant for Rape out of Conyers, GA
- Trayon Moore – Dekalb County – Sex Trafficking and Probation Violation warrants
- James Garcia - Arrested at a Motel in Clearwater, Fl - Warrants out of Whitfield County, GA - Aggravated Child Molestation, Aggravated Sodomy and Incest with a Minor
- Faye Smith – Arrested at a motel in Clearwater, Fl – Warrant for Probation Violation
- Sally Garcia – Arrested at a motel in Clearwater, Fl – Interference with Child Custody
- Zachary Bailey Arrested in Columbus, GA – Human trafficking, Enticing of a Minor for Indecent Purposes, and Enticement of a Minor for Solicitation
- Stanson Causey – Arrested in Jasper, GA – Registered Sex Offender arrested for Probation Violation
- Kirk Waters – Arrested in Newton County, GA – Felon in Possession of a Firearm
- Trevonte Shareef – Arrested in Newton County, GA – Interference with custody and obstruction
Photo: U.S. Marshals Service