What started as a planned meetup with a 15-year-old ended with three men in cuffs, after Sandy Springs police ran an undercover sting targeting suspected child predators this week. Investigators say the men traveled to Sandy Springs believing they were going to meet a 15-year-old and were arrested when undercover officers showed up instead.
The suspects are identified as Antonio Thackston, 43, of Tuscumbia, Alabama; Jacob Holloway, 38, of Lawrenceville; and Derrell Green, 41, of McClellanville, South Carolina. Each faces charges that include trafficking a person for sexual servitude and criminal attempt to commit a felony.
Police Statement and Charging Details
The Sandy Springs Police Department released the names of the suspects and said the operation unfolded over several days, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. Officers posed online as a minor, and the men were taken into custody when they arrived to meet who they thought was a 15-year-old, FOX 5 reports.
Police have not disclosed exactly where in Sandy Springs the arrests took place or which online platform was used to communicate with the suspects.
How to Report Tips
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to this case or similar activity to contact the Sandy Springs Police Department’s non-emergency line at 770-551-6900, according to the department’s contact page. The site also lists a separate tip line and victim-advocate contacts for people who want to report suspected trafficking anonymously, per Sandy Springs Police Department.
What the Charges Mean Under Georgia Law
Trafficking a person for sexual servitude is a felony under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-46) and carries significant penalties, especially when the alleged victim is a minor, according to the Georgia Code. The statute defines trafficking broadly and allows prosecutors to seek lengthy prison terms and other consequences upon conviction.
Part of a Pattern of Proactive Enforcement
This latest sting follows earlier undercover work by Sandy Springs police. In January, the department and partner agencies arrested eight people during "Operation Sandy Springs Guardian," an enforcement sweep focused on solicitations and human trafficking. That operation and the department’s ongoing anti-trafficking efforts were reported by WSB-TV.
Resources and Hotlines
If you suspect human trafficking or have information that could help investigators, call the Sandy Springs Police Department’s non-emergency line at 770-551-6900 or visit the Sandy Springs Police Department site for additional contact options.
You can also reach the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to 233733 for confidential assistance, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. In an emergency, call 911.
