Four Arrested In Underage Human Trafficking Investigation In South Alabama

Authorities say suspects allegedly attempted to arrange sexual encounters with someone they believed was under 16; additional arrests are expected.

Clarke County, AL (BuzzReport)—A multi-agency law enforcement operation targeting the human trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors has resulted in four arrests, with investigators warning that additional arrests could be coming as the investigation continues.

The operation was conducted by the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with Covenant Rescue Group, bringing together several law enforcement agencies in an effort to identify and apprehend individuals allegedly attempting to exploit children for sexual purposes.

Assisting in the investigation were the Jackson Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Citronelle Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

According to authorities, four individuals were arrested after allegedly arranging to pay for sexual services from someone they believed to be under the age of 16.

The suspects arrested were identified as:

• Kevin Funes, 21, of Mobile, Alabama
• Aaron Casey Peel, 26, of Porterville, Mississippi
• James Wesley Havelin, 42, of Malcolm, Alabama
• Richard Eugene Smith, 54, of Mobile, Alabama

All four individuals face three serious charges: Human Trafficking First Degree, Electronic Solicitation of a Child and Traveling to Meet a Child for an Unlawful Sex Act.

Peel faces an additional charge of Resisting Arrest.

THREE ADDITIONAL INDIVIDUALS UNDER INVESTIGATION

Authorities also revealed that three other individuals allegedly committed the offense of Transmitting Obscene Material to a Minor during the operation.

Investigators have indicated that additional arrests are expected in the near future, suggesting the operation may be part of a broader investigation into individuals allegedly attempting to engage in sexually exploitative conduct involving minors.

The investigation remains active, and authorities say the cases involving each suspect are still being examined. Additional charges could also be filed as investigators continue gathering evidence and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged offenses.

MULTI-AGENCY EFFORT TO PROTECT CHILDREN

The operation highlights the cooperation between local, regional and federal law enforcement agencies in addressing crimes involving the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children.

Human trafficking and online solicitation involving minors remain significant concerns for law enforcement, particularly as investigators work to identify individuals who allegedly use electronic communications to arrange unlawful encounters with children.

Officials have not indicated that the investigation is complete, and the possibility of additional arrests remains.

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