A pair of Cairo men were arrested in Alabama Friday in a human trafficking undercover sting operation. Isaiah Rashaud Williams, 25, and Demetrius Lamonallen Wright, 26, were arrested by agents with the West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force, according to Lt. Darren Beams, commander of the task force.
The men were arrested during an operation in the 3600 block of E. McFarland, Blvd., in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Beams stated that the operation’s goal was to identify potential victims of human trafficking.
“Several females were rescued during this operation, and have been transported to a safe location where victim’s services are being provided,” stated Beams.
Williams is charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with a bond of $20,000 and one felony count of promoting prostitution that had a bond of $10,000.
Wright is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, which has a $10,000 bond, and one felony count of promoting prostitution, also a $10,000 bond.
Beams stated that the investigation is continuing and he expects more charges will be filed, including the potential of federal charges.
The I-20/59 highway corridor, which runs between Tuscaloosa and Birmingham and beyond, is a “travel route for those engaged in this lucrative and heinous criminal enterprise,” states a press release from the task force.
The West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force is made up of officers from the Tuscaloosa Police Department, Northport Police Department, University of Alabama Police Department and the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
