In its first year, the Huntsville Police Department’s specialized STRIKE Unit has made nearly 100 arrests in investigations involving human trafficking and internet crimes against children, revealing what investigators say is a troubling problem in the community.
Launched a year ago, the unit focuses on identifying victims, investigating exploitation and pursuing offenders through specialized investigations and partnerships with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
“Before we started looking into these cases, I don’t think we fully understood the scope of the problem,” HPD Officer Chad Schrader said. “These crimes are happening in our communities, and we have to be willing to look for them and do something about them.”
HPD marked the unit’s first anniversary Tuesday with a media roundtable discussing its progress, challenges and priorities heading into its second year.
During its first year, the unit’s six investigators handled approximately 180 Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) cases. Goose, the department’s electronic storage detection K-9, also helped investigators locate 50 electronic devices potentially containing evidence.
One of the unit’s recent investigations, Operation Meteor Strike, resulted in three arrests and six search warrants in a suspected labor trafficking case.
The investigation began Aug. 9 after STRIKE investigators received information about a possible trafficking victim.
Over the following 17 days, investigators developed evidence indicating the victim had been brought to Huntsville to work and was being forced to continue working to repay a debt.
On Aug. 27, investigators executed six search warrants and arrested three people in connection with the case.
The investigation remains active, with officers continuing to process evidence, conduct interviews and pursue additional leads. Police said more arrests or charges are possible.
“Creating this unit gave us the ability to focus on these crimes and pursue them proactively,” HPD Officer Chase Baker said. “We want to identify victims, follow the evidence and hold the people responsible accountable.”
As STRIKE enters its second year, investigators are looking to expand their capabilities while continuing to address both human trafficking and online child exploitation.
“We’re hoping to grow and go full-time because this isn’t just a Huntsville problem. It’s a statewide, national and global issue,” HPD Officer Zefen Riggins said. “Addressing it takes awareness, cooperation and a willingness to act when something doesn’t seem right.”
The department also emphasized the importance of prevention, particularly when it comes to protecting children online.
HPD encourages parents and caregivers to stay involved in their children’s online activities, maintain open conversations about internet safety and report suspicious behavior.
For investigators, the first year has underscored both the extent of the crimes they are pursuing and the importance of having a dedicated team to investigate them.
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