James Ronald "Jim" Arrington, 75, became LaGrange's mayor in 2014. A significant human trafficking operation, Operation Lights Out, took place from April 25-27, 2025, led by the Georgia ICAC Task Force, resulting in 19 arrests, including LaGrange residents, for engaging with minors online. Authorities emphasize the seriousness of these crimes.
Ontario, Canada’s Muhammed Gwandu subject to ICE detainer
Todd M. Lyons became the acting director of ICE on March 9, 2025. From April 25-27, 2025, Operation Lights Out resulted in the arrest of 19 men, including Muhammed Gwandu, for human trafficking and online exploitation of minors. Multiple agencies collaborated, with a focus on prosecuting these predators.
Palatine, Illinois’s Gene Melner charged with human trafficking
Gene Melner, a 37-year-old truck driver from Palatine, Illinois, was arrested during Operation Lights Out, a human trafficking sting conducted by various law enforcement agencies in April 2025. He and 18 others were charged with soliciting minors for sexual acts online. Authorities emphasize their commitment to prosecuting such crimes.
Georgia’s Kevin Edosmwan, Darnell Brooks arrested
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation conducted Operation Lights Out from April 25-27, 2025, targeting online sexual predators involved in human trafficking. Collaborating with multiple law enforcement agencies, 19 men were arrested, including Kevin Obiuyi Edosomwan and Darnell Brooks, both facing serious charges related to child exploitation.
Phenix City, Alabama’s Hunter Salmi, Jungmok Shin arrested
Eddie Lowe, the first black mayor of Phenix City, Alabama, previously played in the Canadian Football League. In a collaborative effort, the Georgia ICAC Task Force conducted "Operation Lights Out," arresting 19 men involved in online sexual exploitation of minors. Muscogee County Sheriff Gregory Countryman emphasizes the serious nature of these crimes.
Alabama’s Colton McLamb, Marco Chavez, Marquise Anderson, Galvin Gordey arrested
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation hosted Operation Lights Out from April 25-27, 2025, targeting online sexual predators. Nineteen men were arrested, including six from Alabama, for engaging in explicit conversations with minors and planning in-person meetings for exploitation. Muscogee County Sheriff Gregory Countryman emphasized the seriousness of these crimes against children.
Audrey Backeberg found 62 years after running away from Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Audrey Jean Backeberg, who went missing in 1962 after accusing her husband of abuse, was found alive in 2025. She had assumed a new identity and remarried, leaving her past behind. Detective Isaac Hanson reopened her case, ultimately locating her through her sister's Ancestry.com account. Audrey expressed happiness and no regrets about her decision.
Tredyffrin Township, Pennsylvania teacher Michelle Mercogliano facing 63 felony charges
Michelle Elizabeth Mercogliano, 35, of Phoenixville, Chester County, Pennsylvania, United States is a special education teacher at Conestoga High School in Tredyffrin Township, Chester County. https://twitter.com/chescoda/status/1917721837687169130 Michelle Mercogliano Aside from Phoenixville, Mercogliano has lived in other parts of Pennsylvania including Frazer and Malvern. She is a former resident of Saint Albans, New York, USA. Mercogliano … Continue reading Tredyffrin Township, Pennsylvania teacher Michelle Mercogliano facing 63 felony charges
Opelousas, Louisiana’s Shanone Chatman-Ashley convicted of $2M Medicare fraud
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, established in 1953, oversees essential health services like Medicare and Medicaid. Recently, nurse practitioner Shanone Chatman-Ashley was convicted of healthcare fraud involving over $2 million in false Medicare claims. She faces significant prison time for signing unnecessary medical orders.
Columbia, Georgia’s Zidarius Poole, Cameron Shelley, Carl Sprayberry, Anthony Seldon, Isael Alvarez, Roger Burkes arrested
Gregory Countryman Sr., the sheriff of Muscogee County, has been in office since January 1, 2021. From April 25-27, 2025, his office, alongside the GBI, conducted Operation Lights Out, resulting in the arrest of 19 men for human trafficking, highlighting a committed effort to combat online sexual predation against children.
