Nine Arrested in Vestavia Hills Child Sex Sting
Police say nine people traveled to a meeting spot believing they would meet a child for sex
TL;DR: Nine people face child solicitation and other charges after an undercover operation in Vestavia Hills. Police say the investigation remains open and more arrests are possible.
Nine people were arrested in an undercover operation targeting people accused of using the internet to arrange sexual encounters with children, Vestavia Hills police announced Monday.
Police said each suspect traveled to a predetermined location in Vestavia Hills after communicating online. Authorities allege the suspects believed they were going to meet a child for sex, according to WVTM 13.
Each person was charged with traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sexual act and child solicitation, police said.
Authorities identified those arrested as:
- Adan Miranda Sebastian
- Darbin Alejandro Reyes
- Cesar Armando Lopez-Rodriguez
- Justin Scott Philpot
- Mohamad Firas Attar
- Felipe Eduardo Rodriguez Sarabia
- Joseph Brock Horton
- Moises Vasconselos Penate
- Terry Wayne Grammer
The Vestavia Hills Police Department led the operation with help from the FBI, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and other law enforcement agencies. Homewood police also took part, WBRC reported.
Police said the investigation is continuing and that additional arrests and charges are possible.
All charges are allegations at this time. Each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
