Alabama: Suspects in Online Child Exploitation Sting Arrested

Get our free mobile app

The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office recently led an undercover operation targeting individuals attempting to exploit children through online interactions.

The operation was designed to target suspects who consistently sought to meet minors for illegal sexual activity or other illegal acts.

Multiple arrests were made when suspects arrived at a pre-arranged location under the belief they were meeting a child.

Instead, they were met by law enforcement. The individuals taken into custody now face serious charges connected to the attempted sexual exploitation of minors.

Authorities also confirmed that some of the suspects are in the U.S. unlawfully and may have intentionally targeted certain types of at-risk youth in Alabama.

More charges are expected as this investigation continues. The Tuscaloosa Thread will continue to update as the investigation unfolds.

Sheriff Powell highlighted the department's commitment to protecting children in a statement:

“There’s no higher priority in law enforcement than the safety of our children. Targeting minors for exploitation is a deeply serious crime, and our department will continue to take strong action to ensure offenders are brought to justice. This operation reflects our firm stance on keeping our community safe.”

The success of the sting operation was made possible through joint efforts with the West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force, the 24th Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).

Sheriff Powell expressed gratitude for their collaboration and ongoing support.

Individuals Arrested In The Investigation To Date:

• Edi Sanchez – Charged with traveling to meet a minor and electronic solicitation of a child

• Carlos Lopez – Charged with traveling to meet a minor, electronic solicitation of a child, and attempting to flee law enforcement

• Marquees Boose – Charged with traveling to meet a minor and electronic solicitation of a child

• Jason Baines – Charged with transmitting obscene material to a minor

• Edson Archila – Charged with two counts of reckless endangerment and attempting to elude law enforcement

All suspects, as usual, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.