In Georgia, a recent sting operation led to the arrest of 19 men, including a former Democratic candidate who had made controversial remarks about President Donald Trump. This operation, known as “Operation Lights Out,” was conducted from April 24 to 28, with various law enforcement agencies collaborating over several months to target online sexual predators.
Undercover agents engaged with suspects posing as minors across social media and dating platforms, uncovering multiple attempts by these individuals to solicit sexual conversations and activities. From the interactions, investigators identified 35 cases warranting further action, and ultimately 19 resulted in arrests when the men tried to meet the “children” in person.
Among those arrested was Carl Sprayberry, who had lost a previous election to a Republican opponent by a significant margin. Sprayberry had previously tweeted provocative statements, including calls for violence against Trump, suggesting he should be shot. He had also expressed alarming thoughts about bombing Trump’s residence in Florida.
The Muscogee County Sheriff voiced the importance of protecting children from such predators, emphasizing that, had law enforcement not intervened, these individuals would have targeted children in the community. Authorities are urging parents to remain vigilant and monitor their children’s online interactions closely. Anyone with information regarding child exploitation cases in Georgia is encouraged to contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
