Anti-human trafficking operation leads to six arrests

By Staff Reports  

The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, in collaboration with the Morgan County District Attorney’s Office and Covenant Rescue Group, conducted an anti-human trafficking operation in Hartselle on March 6-7. The operation led to the arrest of six individuals accused of soliciting and attempting to meet with what they believed to be a minor for illicit purposes. 

According to authorities, the suspects targeted and solicited an undercover officer posing as a child under the age of 15 through online platforms, social media and other digital channels. When they traveled to the agreed-upon locations in Morgan County, they were met by law enforcement and taken into custody. 

 “These predators found our undercover investigators through online platforms, social media, and other online portals,” the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office stated in a Facebook post. “Parents, it is important that you get involved in your child’s digital life. The devices you permit them to have provide them with direct access to the world, and the world gains direct access to them.” 

Authorities arrested Winston Terrell James, 35, of Madison; Wayne Lynn Rosetti Jr., 59, of Madison; Deandre Lamar Floyd, 27, of Hillsboro; Joffre Mauricio Salazar Briones, 27, of Athens; Bud Winston Cunningham, 48, of Crane Hill; and Luis Said Cadena Morales, 23, of Toney. Each was charged with human trafficking in the first degree, electronic solicitation of a child and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act. Cunningham faces additional charges of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine, while Cadena Morales has an ICE detainer placed against him.  

All suspects are being held without bond at the Morgan County Jail pending an Aniah’s Law hearing to determine whether bond will be denied.