Operation Rockin Robin led to 24 arrests in Houston County sex trafficking sting

HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. (WGXA) — A multi-agency sting targeting sex traffickers and people looking to buy sex in Houston County led to 24 arrests and outreach to more than a dozen potential victims.

The operation, called “Operation Rockin’ Robins,” was carried out March 4-6 after months of planning and was coordinated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s (GBI) Human Exploitation and Trafficking (HEAT) Unit.

Investigators say the online undercover operation focused on identifying people attempting to buy sex, as well as traffickers and pimps operating in the area. The Houston County Sheriff’s Office, GBI Middle Gang Task Force, Georgia State Patrol and Homeland Security Investigators assisted.

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Authorities said 13 commercial sex workers met with victim advocates and were offered services and support during the operation.

The people arrested, ranging from 17 to 61, traveled from around Middle Georgia to Houston County intending to purchase or sell sex.

– Ahmad Rice, age 25, of Perry, GA, was charged with Pandering.

– Anthony Chase Hickey, age 32, of Ball Ground, GA, was charged with Pandering.

– Armon Khalil Taylor, age 29, of Warner Robins, GA, was charged with Pandering.

– Brandon T. Smith, age 25, of Smithville, GA, was charged with Pandering.

– Bronwood Chad Smith, age 52, of Gordon, GA, was charged with Pandering.

– Charles Fred Hobbs, II, age 44, of Bonaire, GA, was charged with Pandering.

– Courtney McGriff, age 52, of Cordele, GA, was charged with Pandering.

– Courtney Mills, age 39, of Perry, GA, was charged with Pandering.

– David Deonta Williams, age 34, of Byron, GA, was charged with Possession of Methamphetamines, Obstruction and Probation Violation.

– Gustavo Hernandez, age 24, of Macon, GA, was charged with Pandering.

– Hakeem Jerome Dunning, age 36, of Kathleen, GA, was charged with Pandering.

– Jason L. Winer, age 50, of Bonaire, GA, was charged with Pandering.

– Javier Zarate Alvarado, age 43, of Warner Robins, GA, was charged with Pandering and had an active removal order from the United States.

– Jeffery Michael McKay, age 45, of Warner Robins, GA, was charged with Pimping, Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime.

– Joseph Bailem, Jr., age 36, of Kathleen, GA, was charged with Pandering.

– Landon Borders, age 17, of Hawkinsville, GA, was charged with Pandering.

– Marcell Antron Cone, Jr., age 25, of Macon, GA, was charged with Pimping.

– Michael Antoine Douglas, age 50, of Kathleen, GA, was charged with Pimping.

– Rajiv Yadav, age 33, of Macon, GA, was charged with Pandering.

– Roderequist O. Warren, age 33, of Byron, GA, was charged with Pimping.

– Ryeena Unique Mallory, age 22, of Macon, GA, was arrested on an unrelated outstanding warrant out of Centerville, GA.

– Steven Craig Hilliard, age 54, of Eastman, GA, was charged with Pandering.

– Steven Lewis Melanson, age 61, of Fort Valley, GA, was charged with Pandering.

– Tajh Shaheen Brooks, age 32, of Warner Robins, GA, was charged with Prostitution, Possession of Drug-Related Objects, Possession of Marijuana Less than 1 Ounce and Identity Fraud.

Authorities say the operation was designed not only to make arrests, but also to identify traffickers and connect exploited individuals with resources and help.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI’s HEAT Unit at 404-270-8433 or the Houston County Sheriff’s Office at 478-542-2125. All forms of human trafficking should be reported to Georgia’s Statewide Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-866-ENDHTGA, which is staffed 24 hours a day.

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Houston Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office and the Houston County Solicitor-General’s Office for prosecution.

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