8 arrested in Cullman child exploitation sting operation

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Top row, left to right, are Mung Sian Kim, Juan Carlos Gutierrez, Dalton Lynn Gilliland and Carey Andew Kraehmer; bottom row, left to right, are Brody Hayes Bates, Yovani Alan Cruz Martinez, William Henry Clift and Ryan Philip Nobriga. (Cullman Police Department)

CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Police Department’s Investigation Division and Tactical Unit, in a coordinated effort with the Covenant Rescue Group, conducted a child exploitation sting operation last week. The operation was aimed at identifying and apprehending child predators and underlining the CPD’s commitment to protecting Cullman’s young community members.

According to Police Chief David Nassetta, during the operation, eight individuals were arrested on various charges associated with child exploitation. While these arrests are significant, the police emphasized that the investigation remains active and additional charges could be forthcoming.

Those arrested are:

  • Dalton Lynn Gilliland, 31, of Blountsville, charged with traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act and electronic solicitation of a child
  • Brody Hayes Bates, 33, of Cullman, charged with traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act and electronic solicitation of a child
  • Yovani Alan Cruz Martinez, 20, of Blountsville, charged with traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act and electronic solicitation of a child
  • William Henry Clift, 59, of Hazel Green, charged with traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act and electronic solicitation of a child
  • Mung Sian Kim, 31, of Cullman, charged with first-degree human trafficking, traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act and electronic solicitation of a child
  • Ryan Philip Nobriga, 31, of Town Creek, charged with first-degree human trafficking, traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act and electronic solicitation of a child
  • Juan Carlos Gutierrez, 41, of Decatur, charged with first-degree human trafficking, traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act and electronic solicitation of a child
  • Carey Andrew Kraehmer, 43, of Seymour, Tennessee, charged with traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act, electronic solicitation of a child, enticing a child for immoral purposes and facilitating the travel for a child for an unlawful sex act.

The CPD expressed its gratitude to the Covenant Rescue Group for its collaboration and dedication in the mission to protect the vulnerable. Authorities are urging the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity that might be related to child exploitation.

All subjects listed above are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.