In an operation named "Operation Raydiant Shadows," Georgia law enforcement agencies arrested twelve individuals in Dougherty County in connection with sex trafficking. The operation involved multiple agencies, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit (HEAT), Albany-Dougherty Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Albany Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Georgia State Patrol. According to information provided by the GBI, the mission involved several months of planning and execution and aimed to address human trafficking by targeting both sex traffickers and buyers.
The arrested individuals face charges primarily for pandering and range in age from 17 to 58. They come from several locations, including Dawson, Leesburg, Albany, as well as Alexandria, VA, and Charlotte, NC. The investigation also involved six commercial sex workers, with law enforcement meeting with victim advocates and offering services. Georgia law enforcement aimed to both support potential victims and identify those involved in the illegal trade.
Among those arrested in the operation were Don Hill, Michael Saxton Evans, and Paige Thomas, who faces an additional charge of obstruction. Kyle Pack faces charges related to drug possession and outstanding warrants. Reported by the GBI, "additional charges and arrests may be forthcoming" as the investigation continues.
The collaborative nature of "Operation Raydiant Shadows" highlights the coordination among various branches of law enforcement in addressing human trafficking. Officials encourage anyone with information to contact the GBI’s HEAT Unit or the Albany-Dougherty SIU directly. Additionally, the statewide human trafficking hotline is available 24/7 for reporting, as part of Georgia's ongoing efforts to address human trafficking, the GBI announced.
