Fourteen arrested in Alabama child exploitation sting

Fourteen people were arrested in Limestone County, Alabama, in Operation Fowl Play, an investigation into alleged online attempts to exploit children. Authorities say each faces charges of electronic solicitation of a child, traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act, and first-degree human trafficking, totaling 42 charges; the defendants are being held without bond pending hearings under Aniah’s Law. Investigators said suspects allegedly used social media, messaging apps and online games to contact children, and some allegedly arranged or traveled to meetings. The sheriff’s office conducted the operation with federal and state law enforcement partners as part of its Millstone Project, an initiative focused on crimes against children.