10 men arrested in Shelby County sex trafficking operation

SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) – 10 men are now facing charges following a human trafficking operation in Shelby County.

The Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force, along with detectives from the Hoover Police Department, participated in “Operation Fore” for a human trafficking operation on May 10.

Investigators told WBRC they arrested 10 men during the operation and their charges were listed as prohibited activities. Those who aid and assist in illegal activities like sex trafficking or prostitution will be held accountable under the Alabama Penal Code.

It was a one-day operation, but task force efforts to combat human trafficking continue throughout Shelby County.

Lt. Clayton Smith said their goal is not only to make arrests, but also to get victims the help they need.

“There are so many women, so many victims who need help, that they can't get out of the situation they find themselves in. They are forced to engage in sex work and they have no way out. So we feel it is our duty to help them, provide them with help and get them out of this situation.

Lt. Smith said these operations took weeks, sometimes even months, to prepare, but they saved many victims who thought they would never get help.

Get breaking news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here.

Copyright 2024 WBRC. All rights reserved.