Limestone County Sheriff’s Office special ops team nets 11 arrests in online child exploitation probe

“Operation Summer Heat,” conducted over Labor Day week by the Criminal Investigation Division Special Operations Team, resulted in 11 arrests on 36 charges, targeting individuals attempting to exploit children through the internet.

“Some in this group came to meet children with firearms, counterfeit money, drugs, and even plans to traffic victims to others for sex,” Capt. Caleb Durden, chief investigator. “Let me be clear: God’s children are not for sale. If you attempt to prey on kids in Limestone County, you will face this highly trained, relentless team, and you will be brought to justice.

“Stay out of our county.”

In February 2024, Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin launched The Millstone Project, a comprehensive program to combat child exploitation. The initiative has trained deputies across all divisions, including CID, Patrol, SRO, Corrections, and Communications, to identify, investigate, and prevent crimes against children online.

Since its launch, The Millstone Project has led to nearly 50 arrests over the past two years.

“I want to thank our community for your support and recognize the tireless commitment of our deputies and partners who made this operation possible,” McLaughlin said. “Together, we prevented predators from reaching our children and removed dangerous drugs, firearms, and materials connected to child exploitation. Let me be absolutely clear: we will not stop.

“We will chase down every lead, investigate every report, and bring to justice anyone who tries to harm or exploit a child in Limestone County.”

According to the news release, “Operation Summer Heat” focused on identifying suspects who:

Predators used social media platforms, messaging apps, and online gaming spaces to target both boys and girls.

Many suspects arrived prepared not only to exploit children but also carrying drugs, firearms, and plans to traffic victims beyond Limestone County, the release said.

All suspects are being held without bond in the Limestone County Detention Facility pending an Aniah’s Law hearing before a judge. Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues, the news release said.

“If you see or suspect something, do not stay silent; report it to us by phone, email, our Limestone County Sheriff’s App, or our website,” McLaughlin said. “You may remain anonymous, but your call could be the one that protects an innocent child’s life.”