Covenant Rescue, Irondale & Trussville Sting Operation Leads to Seven Arrests
Suspects face charges of electronic solicitation of a minor and traveling to meet a minor for an unlawful sex act
A coordinated operation by Covenant Rescue Group (CRG) and the Irondale Police Department has led to seven arrests on felony charges tied to suspected online exploitation of minors. The Trussville Police Department also assisted in the operation, which stretched across several days.
The suspects now face charges including electronic solicitation of a minor and traveling to meet a minor for an unlawful sex act. Among those arrested are:
- Tommy Usher III, 29, of Birmingham
- Isaiah Burton, 22, of Birmingham
- Michael Burdett, 23, of Anniston
- James Harrison, 64, of Birmingham
- Juan Esteban, 42, of Tarrant
- Martin Flores, 43, of Leeds
- Derrick Tuck, 40, of Birmingham
All are being held in the Jefferson County Jail under a bond of $80,000 each.
Irondale’s Sex Crimes Unit led the sting, using undercover decoys pretending to be minors online. The Department said the operation, dubbed “Operation Iron Shield” was part of a broader effort to root out those who target youth through the internet.
Chief Paul Kellogg of Irondale PD said, “Our top priority is protecting the most vulnerable members of our community — our children … individuals who prey on minors are identified, arrested, and prosecuted.” Detective Batson, lead investigator of the Sex Crimes Unit, added, “We will continue to pursue anyone who uses the internet to exploit or endanger children. … report any suspicious behavior immediately.”
Meanwhile, Josh Moody, Chief Operating Officer of Covenant Rescue Group, said the group and law enforcement worked to become more proactive — finding suspects before they act. “We’re teaching them how to be proactive … going after these predators before they attempt to exploit our children,” Moody said. Lt. Jason Hill of Irondale PD also urged parents to remain vigilant about their children's online activity. “Children don’t know who they’re talking to … that’s why it’s so important for parents to … know exactly who their child is … chatting with,” Hill said.
CRG is a nonprofit organization that partners with law enforcement nationwide to fight human trafficking and child exploitation. In 2025 alone, the group says it has conducted 15 joint operations across the Southeast, resulting in 97 arrests of offenders targeting minors online. CRG has also trained 278 officers and participated in 15 rescues so far this year.
The Irondale Police Department urges anyone with information about suspected child exploitation to contact its Sex Crimes Unit at 205-951-1382, ext. 2021, or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
