FLORENCE, AL — Seven people have now been arrested following a multi-agency child exploitation operation conducted in Lauderdale County.
The operation was carried out Aug. 28 and 29 in the Florence area and targeted adults investigators allege were willing to travel, or had traveled, to Lauderdale County with the intent of meeting children for unlawful sexual activity.
Six arrests were initially announced Monday, Aug. 31. Authorities announced a seventh arrest Tuesday after investigators obtained an additional warrant for 21-year-old Logan Bradley Thornton of Florence.
Thornton was arrested on charges of first-degree human trafficking and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act. According to court documents, Thornton is accused of arranging to meet a child for sexual activity in exchange for $60.
He was booked into the Lauderdale County Detention Center and later posted a $250,000 bond.
As conditions of his release, Thornton is prohibited from accessing the internet or using electronic devices capable of connecting to the internet. He is also prohibited from having contact with minors or being present at locations where minors regularly gather.
The seven people arrested and their announced charges are:
- Logan Bradley Thornton, 21, of Florence: Charged with first-degree human trafficking and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act. Thornton posted a $250,000 bond with conditions restricting his internet access and contact with minors.
- Charles Steve Druckemiller, 44, of Clearwater, Florida: Charged with first-degree human trafficking and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act. At the time of the initial announcement, Druckemiller was being held without bond pending an Aniah’s Law hearing.
- Kirk Joel Berryman, 61, of Tuscumbia: Charged with first-degree human trafficking and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act. He was being held without bond pending an Aniah’s Law hearing.
- Christopher Martin Elmore, 37, of Waterloo: Charged with first-degree human trafficking and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act. He was being held without bond pending an Aniah’s Law hearing.
- Christopher Blake Hall, 51, of Florence: Charged with first-degree human trafficking and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act. He was being held without bond pending an Aniah’s Law hearing.
- Justin Lee Pace, 38, of Florence: Charged with first-degree human trafficking and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act. He was being held without bond pending an Aniah’s Law hearing.
- William Riley Hughes, 34, of Florence: Charged with solicitation of prostitution and given a $500 bond.
Authorities said firearms were seized from four of those arrested. Officials did not identify which defendants allegedly possessed the weapons or indicate whether additional charges could result from the seizures.
The operation involved the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office, Lauderdale County District Attorney’s Office, Florence Police Department, FBI Birmingham Division and West Alabama Intercept Task Force.
Lauderdale County Sheriff Joe Hamilton said protecting children remains one of his highest priorities and warned that those who attempt to target children in the county will face a strong law enforcement response.
“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 also thanked the investigators and agencies involved in the operation, praising their professionalism, commitment and determination to protect children throughout Lauderdale County.
Florence Police Chief Mike Holt said the arrests were the result of extensive planning and coordination among the participating agencies.
“My message to those who might consider coming to Florence to prey upon our children is simple,” Holt said. “Don’t.”
Lauderdale County District Attorney Angie Hamilton also praised the work of law enforcement and said her office will continue working with investigators to protect children and hold those accused of exploiting them accountable.
She said she hopes the operation sends a clear message to anyone considering harming or exploiting a child in Lauderdale County: “Not on our watch.”
The FBI credited cooperation among local, state and federal agencies for the arrests and weapons seizures, saying those partnerships strengthen law enforcement’s ability to prevent children from being harmed and improve public safety.
Officials have not released additional details about the investigative methods used during the operation or indicated whether additional arrests are expected.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
