163
ATHENS-A weeklong Millstone Project investigation has resulted in the arrest of an Athens man on charges related to the electronic solicitation of a child and traveling to meet a child for unlawful sex acts.
On January 20, investigators with the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Team began receiving messages on an online account depicting a child. Investigators operated the account as part of the Millstone Project.
The suspect was identified as William Chase Colburn, 26, of Athens, AL, who believed he was communicating with a child.
During the online conversations, Colburn directed the undercover investigator to meet him for unlawful sex acts. Colburn then traveled to a predetermined location with the intent to engage in those acts.
During the online conversations, Colburn directed the undercover investigator to meet him for unlawful sex acts. Colburn then traveled to a predetermined location with the intent to engage in those acts.On January 27, Colburn was taken into custody by the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Team. Probable cause was established to arrest Colburn for Electronic Solicitation of a Child and Traveling to Meet a Child for Unlawful Sex Acts. A judge has not yet set bond.
In Alabama, the Office of the Sheriff does not set bond amounts. Bond is a constitutional right and is set by a judge or magistrate under Alabama law. The Sheriff’s Office enforces the law and houses those who are arrested; however, bond decisions are made by the courts.
Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin praised the efforts of those involved in the investigation and urged parents to remain vigilant:
“The success of the Millstone Project is a direct result of the relentless work of our Corrections Officers, Deputies, Dispatchers, and Investigators who refuse to let predators operate in our community. They do an outstanding job every day. Parents need to understand this clearly: giving your child unrestricted access to the internet gives predators unrestricted access to your child. This online world is not the one we grew up in. Offenders will groom, manipulate, and talk your children right out of your home before you ever realize what’s happening. Monitor your children’s online activity. If you see something suspicious, say something immediately; you could save a child’s life.”
Media Release/Limestone County Sheriff’s Department
