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LIMESTONE COUNTY-Kong Ngundeng Pal, 26, a citizen of Beirut, Lebanon, was arrested following an investigation into the electronic solicitation of a child.
On or about January 20, 2026, a Limestone County child was contacted online by Pal, who was residing in Franklin, Tennessee. Investigators determined that Pal engaged in sexually explicit communication with the child and arranged to meet the child for the purpose of engaging in unlawful sex acts.
On January 18, 2026, Pal traveled from Franklin, Tennessee, to Limestone County, arriving at approximately 2:00 a.m. Pal
instructed the child to leave the residence, picked the child up, and transported them to another location. After the child was reported missing, the child’s family contacted law enforcement. Pal subsequently abandoned the child in cold conditions and fled Limestone County.
instructed the child to leave the residence, picked the child up, and transported them to another location. After the child was reported missing, the child’s family contacted law enforcement. Pal subsequently abandoned the child in cold conditions and fled Limestone County.Responding deputies notified the Criminal Investigation Division, and the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Team was activated. With assistance from the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, ALEA’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit, the Franklin Police Department (Tennessee), and the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office ICAC Unit (Tennessee), investigators identified Pal. He was arrested in Franklin, Tennessee.
On January 28, 2026, Pal was extradited to Limestone County and charged with Electronic Solicitation of a Child and Traveling to Meet a Child for Unlawful Sex Acts. A judge has set Pal’s bond at $1.5 million.
This remains an active investigation, and additional charges are possible as evidence continues to be reviewed.
Joshua McLaughlin, Limestone County Sheriff, issued the following statement:
“Crimes against children will never be tolerated in Limestone County. Anyone who attempts to exploit or harm a child should know that we will pursue them relentlessly and hold them fully accountable. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and professionalism shown by our dispatchers, investigators and deputies, as well as the swift action taken by the child’s family. This case also reflects the strength of our partnerships with our federal, state, and Tennessee law enforcement agencies, whose cooperation was critical in bringing this offender to justice. We will continue to use every available resource to protect our children and stand firm against those who prey upon them.”
Media Release/Limestone County Sheriffs Department
