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ATHENS-The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Special Operations Team, in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit, has concluded Operation Fowl Play, a multi-day online child exploitation investigation that resulted in 14 arrests and 42 criminal charges.
The operation targeted individuals who used the internet to identify, contact, and exploit children for sexual purposes. Investigators focused on individuals who engaged in sexually explicit conversations with minors, arranged meetings with children for sexual activity, traveled with the intent to commit unlawful sex acts, attempted to purchase sex with minors, or attempted to traffic children to others.
In February 2024, Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin launched The Millstone Project, a comprehensive initiative dedicated to identifying, investigating, and preventing crimes against children. Since its inception, the program has provided specialized training to personnel throughout the Sheriff’s Office, including Criminal Investigations, Patrol, School Resource Officers, Corrections, and Communications.
Operation Fowl Play demonstrated the continued importance of this initiative and the need for a coordinated response to online predators. Investigators encountered suspects utilizing social media platforms, messaging applications, and online gaming environments to target both boys and girls.
During the investigation, numerous suspects arrived prepared not only to engage in the exploitation of children but also in possession of illegal drugs and firearms, presenting additional public safety concerns. Each individual below has been charged with electronic solicitation of a child, traveling to meet a child for unlawful sex act, and human trafficking 1stdegree. Each will be held with no bond until an Aniah’s law hearing is scheduled.
ARRESTED INDIVIDUALS
The following individuals were arrested in connection with Operation Fowl Play:
1. Andrew Zipperer, 51, of Athens, AL
2. Contavious Key, 39, of Courtland, AL
3. Benjamin Compton, 42, of Trinity, AL
4. Deron Walker, 46, of Decatur, AL
5. Fransico Elorza, 24, of Huntsville, AL
6. Genesis McWhorter, 35, of Athens, AL
7. Don Smiley Jr., 24, of Athens, AL
8. Gregory Christian, 26, of Madison, AL
9. Sergio Aviles, 29, of Athens, AL
10. Maurice Crouch, 59, of Elkmont, AL
11. Pierro Chery, 29, of Decatur, AL
12. Rajdeep Singh, 31, of Madison, AL
13. Raul Lorenzo, 24, of Birmingham, AL
14. Shawn Dudley, 27, of Decatur, AL
Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin stated:
“The Millstone Project was created with one mission: to identify those who prey on children and hold them accountable. Operation Fowl Play is another example of what happens when dedicated investigators, trained personnel, and our federal and state law enforcement partners work together toward that mission.
These individuals believed they could hide behind a computer screen, use the internet to reach our children, and operate without consequences. They were wrong. We will continue to identify these predators, investigate their actions, and pursue every available avenue to bring them before the courts.
I am extremely proud of our Special Operations Team and the men and women throughout this Sheriff’s Office who make these operations possible. This work takes an extraordinary amount of preparation, investigative skill, and dedication. I also want to recognize the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and ALEA ICAC for their partnership and commitment to protecting our children.
Our children are not for sale, and Limestone County is not a safe place for those who intend to exploit them.”
The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office would also like to remind parents and guardians to remain actively involved in their children’s online activities. Know who your children are communicating with, monitor the platforms and applications they use, and report suspicious behavior.
If you see something, say something.
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An arrest is not a conviction. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Media Release/Limestone County Sheriff’s Office
