Operation Safe Habor

Publish Date: August 20, 2026
Written by: Henry Irby
Categories: News

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office conducted Operation Safe Harbor from July 27 through July 31, 2026. This coordinated law enforcement operation focused on combating the sexual exploitation of children and holding those who seek to exploit them accountable.

The mission of Operation Safe Harbor was clear: identify and arrest individuals seeking to exploit children, protect vulnerable members of our community, prevent future victimization, and strengthen public safety.

“Protecting our children is more than a responsibility—it is a promise,” said Sheriff Mark Pettway. “Human trafficking and child exploitation have no place in our communities. We will relentlessly pursue those who prey on our children, protect those who are vulnerable, and work with our law enforcement and community partners to bring offenders to justice. Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up safe, protected, and free from exploitation.”

“Let me be absolutely clear: anyone who commits these egregious crimes will be found and held fully accountable. Those who target our communities—especially our children—are committing a deeply destructive harm, and we will not hesitate to act,” David R. Fitzgibbons stated. “Protecting the most vulnerable is one of our highest responsibilities, and we are committed to using every resource available to safeguard our children from predators. If you prey on them, you will face swift, serious, and certain consequences.”

“Our agents’ dedication to the safety of our community’s youth is unmatched. In this instance, their rapid response and investigative expertise—bolstered by successful interagency cooperation that led to the arrests of more than a dozen predators—were vital in bringing individuals accused of targeting children,” said Steven N. Schrank, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “We will continue to leverage the strength of Operation Safe Harbor to pursue justice in cases of child exploitation and human trafficking.”

Suspects – Top Row, L-R:

Brian Wesley Free, Brandon Raynard Newell, Alfonza Terris Holt III, Daniel Sanchez -Ramirez, Alexander Mossman, Ismael Fermin, Dennis Djuan King
 
Suspects – Bottom Row, L-R:
Jose Orlando Aranda-Vega, Rashad Taquan Pressley, Antiuwan Derrell Jones, Charles Chen, Adalberto Martinez-Villareal, Marin Alvarez-Espinal, Roger Dale Dill
 
Charges:
 
  • Child Solicitation by Computer – Electronic Solicitation of a Child

Seizures:

  • 5 Weapons
  • 3 Vehicles
 
Participating Agencies:

Anyone with information pertaining to human tracking are urged to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 205-325-1450, their local law enforcement agency, or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777 as soon as possible.

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