FLORENCE, AL — Six people were arrested following a multi-agency operation in Lauderdale County targeting adults accused of attempting to engage in unlawful sexual activity with children.
According to the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office, the operation was conducted August 28 and 29 near Florence and focused on adults who investigators say were willing to travel, or did travel, to Lauderdale County with the intent of meeting children for unlawful sexual acts.
Authorities said six individuals were taken into custody during the operation. Firearms were also seized from four of those arrested.
The investigation involved the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office, Lauderdale County District Attorney’s Office, Florence Police Department, FBI Birmingham Division and the West Alabama Intercept Task Force.
Five of those arrested face charges of first-degree human trafficking and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act:
Charles Steve Druckemiller, 44, of Clearwater, Florida, is charged with first-degree human trafficking and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act. He is being held without bond pending an Aniah’s Law hearing.
Kirk Joel Berryman, 61, of Tuscumbia, is charged with first-degree human trafficking and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act. He is being held without bond pending an Aniah’s Law hearing.
Christopher Martin Elmore, 37, of Waterloo, is charged with first-degree human trafficking and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act. He is being held without bond pending an Aniah’s Law hearing.
Christopher Blake Hall, 51, of Florence, is charged with first-degree human trafficking and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act. He is being held without bond pending an Aniah’s Law hearing.
Justin Lee Pace, 38, of Florence, is charged with first-degree human trafficking and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act. He is being held without bond pending an Aniah’s Law hearing.
William Riley Hughes, 34, of Florence, is charged with solicitation of prostitution. His bond was set at $500.
Lauderdale County Sheriff Joe Hamilton said protecting children remains one of his department’s highest priorities.
“The safety and welfare of our children is one of my highest priorities,” Hamilton said. “There is no place in this county for anyone who would seek to harm them.”
Hamilton said the operation should serve as a warning to anyone attempting to target children or travel to Lauderdale County for illegal activity involving minors.
The sheriff also thanked investigators with the participating agencies for their work during the operation, praising their professionalism and commitment to protecting children.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
