A recent collaborative operation in Georgia has revealed alarming details about individuals targeting children online.
"Operation Lights Out" uncovered 19 arrests, including former political candidate Carl Sprayberry, charged with human trafficking and other crimes targeting minors, Breitbart reported.
The Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force led Operation Lights Out between April 24 and April 28, 2025. Designed to identify and apprehend those preying on minors, the operation joined efforts from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office. Law enforcement officials aimed to recognize individuals engaging in inappropriate activities with minors through online interactions.
Operation Lights Out revealed how predators use social media, messaging apps, and websites to contact children for sexual exploitation. These offenders, willing to go to great lengths, are often found introducing inappropriate content or arranging meetups for sexual purposes. The operation was the result of months of planning, according to Georgia authorities.
The task force, coordinated with 12 different law enforcement entities, revealed that online child predators are persistent and use digital platforms to carry out their illicit activities. Such collaborations are necessary to keep children safe and target those looking to exploit vulnerable individuals.
Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman emphasized the serious approach taken toward these crimes, stating the importance of prosecuting these offenders to the fullest extent of the law.
These predators will travel from near and far to victimize your children. We take these crimes against children very seriously. It will be our focus to find these predators so they may be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Carl Sprayberry, one of the men apprehended, was previously a Democratic candidate in Georgia. He faces charges relating to human trafficking, following a series of controversial statements about Donald Trump earlier this year. These included remarks regarding the Second Amendment and calls for violence.
Sprayberry's past statements on X came under scrutiny following his arrest. They included instances where he suggested violent actions against former President Donald Trump, reflecting a potentially dangerous mindset. These statements were documented by various online sources.
Along with Sprayberry, others charged included Marquise Anderson, Roger Burkes, and Javious Davenport. Their charges varied from human trafficking to violations under specific acts designed to prevent child exploitation.
The arrests have sparked concern and dialogue within the local communities, emphasizing the importance of such operations in safeguarding minors. Public reaction indicated a desire for justice and stringent law enforcement actions against those engaged in predatory behavior.
This calculated operation by the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force highlights the importance of collaborative efforts across agencies to combat child exploitation. As these criminal activities come to light, it underscores the vigilance required from both authorities and the community in preventing such crimes.
Law enforcement stresses the need for ongoing operations and public awareness to effectively combat the growing issue of child exploitation through digital platforms. They encourage community vigilance and cooperation in reporting suspicious activities that may endanger minors.
Operation Lights Out illustrates the persistent threat posed by child predators and emphasizes the collaborative measures necessary to protect minors. The arrests, including that of former candidate Carl Sprayberry, highlight the importance of monitoring online activities to prevent child exploitation. Authorities express their commitment to prosecuting these crimes and keeping children safe from digital threats.
