Alabama officials among 17 arrested in human trafficking sting

A multi-agency sting operation in Atmore, Alabama, resulted in the arrest of 17 individuals on charges related to human trafficking and solicitation. The two-day operation, conducted between October 1 and October 3, 2026, involved law enforcement officers posing as victims in online advertisements to apprehend suspects at a local hotel.

Among those arrested are several public figures, including Alabama State Representative Brett Easterbrook, who faces charges of human trafficking and soliciting prostitution. Also detained are former Satsuma School Board President Kory Wesley, charged with human trafficking, and former Orange Beach Public Works Director Timothy Tucker, charged with solicitation.

Authorities noted that three of the individuals arrested were in the United States illegally. If convicted of human trafficking in the first degree, suspects could face up to 20 years in prison.