'Operation Southern Comfort' Mass Busts Sex Traffickers
Online Undercover Operation Leads To Arrests
Overt Operator
October 05, 2023
Perry, Georgia, U.S. - In a joint effort by multiple law enforcement agencies, ten individuals in Houston County, Georgia, U.S. were arrested in an online undercover operation named "Operation Southern Comfort,” Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced on October 3.
The operation, coordinated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit, the Perry police department, the Houston County Sheriff's Office, the Georgia Motor Carrier Compliance Division, and the Houston County District Attorney's Office, aimed to combat sex trafficking and the commercial sex trade.
The arrested suspects, whose ages ranged from 23 to 68, were apprehended for either attempting to purchase sex or engaging in the commercial sex trade. The charges brought against them include pandering, a serious offense under Georgia law.
The individuals arrested and charged with pandering are as follows:
Carl Barnard Henry, 34, of Unadilla, Georgia
Alvin Lamonte Payne, 48, of Kathleen, Georgia
Jose Dejesus Casillas, 44, of Warner Robins, Georgia
Timothy Wayne Kinard, 55, of Vienna, Georgia
Michael Anderson Seymour, 68, of Albany, Georgia
Julius Lamont Barnes, 49, of Kathleen, Georgia
Trey Austin Jaylen Whitehead, 23, of Perry, Georgia (also charged with obstruction)
Jeremy Dashawn Johnson, 31, of Unadilla, Georgia
Stephen Greenfield, 52, of Byron, Georgia
One woman, aged 39, from Byron, GA, was also arrested on an unrelated outstanding warrant. It is important to note that additional charges and arrests may be forthcoming as the investigation unfolds.
"Operation Southern Comfort" serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat sex trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. By targeting both sex traffickers and buyers, law enforcement agencies aim to disrupt the entire ecosystem that perpetuates this illegal activity.
Sex trafficking remains a significant issue globally, with victims often subjected to physical and emotional abuse. Authorities are committed to identifying and apprehending those involved in these illicit operations, as well as providing support and resources to the victims affected.
The successful collaboration between various agencies in "Operation Southern Comfort" highlights the power of multi-agency efforts in combating complex criminal networks. By sharing resources and expertise, law enforcement agencies can maximize their impact and bring justice to those involved in illegal activities.
As the investigation progresses, law enforcement officials encourage anyone with information related to sex trafficking or suspicious activities to come forward.
Authorities urge communities to work together in combating these crimes and ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals.