MUSCLE SHOALS MAN AND 8 OTHERS ARRESTED IN JOINT OPERATION TARGETING CHILD PREDATORS
A coordinated two-day op
eration targeting child predators in Huntsville has led to the arrest of nine individuals, including a resident from Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The operation, which took place on Thursday, January 23, and Friday, January 24, was spearheaded by the Huntsville Police Department (HPD) in partnership with the Madison County District Attorney’s Office, Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, and Covenant Rescue Group.
The operation was designed to identify and apprehend individuals exploiting children online. Suspects targeted decoys they believed to be minors through online chat rooms, social media, and other digital platforms. These individuals agreed to pay for sexual acts with minors and traveled to designated locations in Huntsville to commit the crimes.
Among those arrested was Shivam Patel, 23, of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, who faces the following charges:
• Two counts of first-degree human trafficking
• Two counts of traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act
• Two counts of electronic solicitation of a child
The operation resulted in nearly 40 criminal charges being filed against the nine individuals, who range in age from 22 to 53 and hail from Alabama, Texas, and Missouri. Charges include first-degree human trafficking, electronic solicitation of a child, traveling to meet a child for unlawful sex acts, and distributing obscene material to minors.
The suspects arrested include:
• Marco Elias, 31, Gulfport, TX
• Floyd Corey Powell Jr., 31, Harvest, AL
• Michael John Fike, 53, Somerville, AL
• Shivam Patel, 23, Muscle Shoals, AL
• Michael Anthony Stevens, 33, Albertville, AL
• Julio Tomas Juan, 22, Decatur, AL
• Gilmar Aralto Elias Huniac, 45, Carthage, MO
• Elmer Geovany Sarmiento, 32, Huntsville, AL
• Bryan Tse Nde, 27, Huntsville, AL
This ongoing investigation underscores the commitment of law enforcement to protecting children and bringing offenders to justice. Authorities emphasize the importance of vigilance and encourage the public to report suspicious online activity involving minors.