Georgia Sex Trafficking Bust Rescues 26 Missing Children, 9 Arrested

Georgia authorities successfully located and rescued 26 missing children who were in immediate danger of falling prey to child sex trafficking, as reported by a recent press release from the U.S. Marshals. In addition to these rescues, a total of 39 missing children were located over the course of the operation.

Operation Not Forgotten: A Rescue Mission

During a two-week-long operation named “Operation Not Forgotten,” authorities diligently scoured 20 counties around Atlanta, Georgia, in search of missing children. This focused effort was carried out in collaboration with local authorities, and its primary goal was to locate and safeguard these vulnerable individuals.

The Rescued Children

Out of the 26 children rescued, a staggering 15 had already fallen victim to the horrors of sex trafficking. These children, ranging from ages 3 to 17, have now been freed from their traumatic circumstances, thanks to the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies.

Multiple Arrests Made

As a result of this extensive sex trafficking investigation, a total of nine individuals have been apprehended. Trayon Moore, Moradeyo Bandele, Zachary Bailey, and James Garcia are among those facing charges related to child sex crimes. Additionally, Trevonte Shareef and Sally Garcia have been arrested on charges of obstructing child custody. Notably, Stanson Causey, a registered sex offender, was taken into custody for violating probation, along with Faye Smith. Lastly, Kirk Waters faces charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Endangerment Criteria

The U.S. Marshals have identified several risk factors that led to the classification of these 26 children as endangered. These factors played a crucial role in determining the urgency of their rescue.

A Collaborative Effort

The U.S. Marshals, in conjunction with local authorities in Georgia, worked tirelessly to carry out this vital operation. Their combined dedication and expertise were instrumental in the successful rescue of these missing children.