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ATHENS-The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Special Operations Team has concluded “Operation Summer Heat,” a multi-day online child exploitation sting conducted over Labor Day week. The operation resulted in 11 arrests on 36 charges, targeting individuals attempting to exploit children through the internet.
In February 2024, Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin launched The Millstone Project, a comprehensive program to combat child exploitation. This initiative has trained deputies across all divisions, including CID, Patrol, SRO, Corrections, and Communications, to identify, investigate, and prevent crimes against children online. Since its launch, The Millstone Project has led to nearly 50 arrests over the past two years.
“Operation Summer Heat” focused on identifying suspects who:
* Engaged in sexually explicit conversations with children online,
* Arranged to meet a child for sex,
* Traveled with the intent to commit unlawful sex acts,
* Attempted to purchase sex with a minor, or
* Tried to traffic a child to others.
Predators used social media platforms, messaging apps, and online gaming spaces to target both boys and girls.
Many suspects arrived prepared not only to exploit children but also carrying drugs, firearms, and plans to traffic victims beyond Limestone County.
Arrested Individuals:
* Joshua Thrower, 26, Guntersville, AL
Human Trafficking 1st, Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sex Act, Electronic Solicitation of a Child
* Eduardo Tomas, 19, Athens, AL
Human Trafficking 1st, Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sex Act, Electronic Solicitation of a Child
* Deante Mallory, 26, Huntsville, AL
Human Trafficking 1st, Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sex Act, Electronic Solicitation of a Child
* Stacey Lewis, 32, Decatur, AL
Human Trafficking 1st, Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sex Act, Electronic Solicitation of a Child
* Anthony Greene, 42, Huntsville, AL
Human Trafficking 1st, Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sex Act, Electronic Solicitation of a Child
* Eligah Redus, 30, Athens, AL
Human Trafficking 1st, Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sex Act, Electronic Solicitation of a Child, Attempting to Elude, Possession of Marijuana II, Resisting Arrest
* Lucio Mateos-Hernandez, 33, Mexico
Human Trafficking 1st, Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sex Act, Electronic Solicitation of a Child (ICE Detainer)
* Jajuan Tavarez, 24, Tuscaloosa, AL
Human Trafficking 1st, Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sex Act, Electronic Solicitation of a Child
* Edgar Lopez-Salucio, 25, Mexico
Human Trafficking 1st, Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sex Act, Electronic Solicitation of a Child (ICE Detainer)
* John Cleveland, 44, Huntsville, AL
Human Trafficking 1st, Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sex Act, Electronic Solicitation of a Child
* Geyner Lopez-Hernandez, 33, Mexico
Human Trafficking 1st, Traveling to Meet a Minor for Unlawful Sex Act, Electronic Solicitation of a Child (ICE Detainer)
All suspects are being held without bond in the Limestone County Detention Facility pending an Aniah’s Law hearing before a judge. Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
Statements from the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office:
Captain Caleb Durden, Chief Investigator, CID: “Some in this group came to meet children with firearms, counterfeit money, drugs, and even plans to traffic victims to others for sex. Let me be clear: God’s children are not for sale. If you attempt to prey on kids in Limestone County, you will face this highly trained, relentless team, and you will be brought to justice. Stay out of our county.”
Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin: “I want to thank our community for your support and recognize the tireless commitment of our deputies and partners who made this operation possible. Together, we prevented predators from reaching our children and removed dangerous drugs, firearms, and materials connected to child exploitation. Let me be absolutely clear: we will not stop. We will chase down every lead, investigate every report, and bring to justice anyone who tries to harm or exploit a child in Limestone County. If you see or suspect something, do not stay silent; report it to us by phone, email, our Limestone County Sheriff’s App, or our website. You may remain anonymous, but your call could be the one that protects an innocent child’s life.”
Media Release/Limestone County Sheriff’s Department
