Nine men were arrested after a coordinated investigation in Vestavia Hills targeted people accused of using online platforms to arrange meetings for sexual activity with minors. Each suspect allegedly traveled to a predetermined location in Vestavia Hills believing they would meet a minor.
According to ABC 33/40, police charged each of the nine men — identified 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 and Terry Wayne Grammer — with traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act and child solicitation. The station reports that investigators said the operation focused specifically on people using online platforms and communication channels to set up meetings for sexual activity with minors.
Multiple Agencies Worked the Case Together
The sting drew on resources from several law enforcement agencies rather than a single department acting alone. The report notes that the Vestavia Hills and Homewood police departments, the FBI Birmingham Field Office and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency all participated in the operation.
That kind of joint task force approach has shown up elsewhere in Alabama. In September 2025, Wetumpka police said nine suspects were arrested in a similar multi-day undercover operation, according to WTVM. That effort partnered the Wetumpka Police Department with the Covenant Rescue Group, the Elmore County District Attorney's Office, the Autauga County Sheriff's Office and the Eclectic Police Department, and each defendant there was charged with human trafficking, traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act and electronic solicitation of a child, held without bond at the Elmore County Jail.
Charges Carry Specific Legal Definitions
The charge of traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act is defined under Section 13A-6-124 of state law, according to the Alabama Legislature's code listing for the offense. Alongside that charge, Vestavia Hills police also brought child solicitation counts against each of the nine men arrested.
This is not the first time Vestavia Hills police have announced arrests tied to child solicitation allegations. Five men were arrested on charges of electronic solicitation of a child and traveling to meet a child for sex. Police had not confirmed whether those arrests were connected to a broader investigation or operation.
Investigation Remains Active
Police said the investigation remains active, and additional arrests and charges may follow as the case develops. Anyone with information about human trafficking or crimes involving child exploitation is asked to contact local law enforcement.
