From Tribune staff reports
ARGO, Ala.–The Argo Police Department announced today that it has made three arrests as part of a joint operation with Covenant Rescue Group focused on identifying, investigating, and arresting predators seeking to commit illegal sex acts with children.
According to Argo Police Cpl. Cason Davis, the three men allegedly targeted and solicited who they believed to be children but were actually undercover law enforcement officers.
The men connected with the undercover officers in chat rooms on social media and other online portals and allegedly agreed to pay to engage in sexual acts with children.
They then traveled to designated locations in Argo to commit these crimes.
There is also one pending warrant in the operation.
Marion Braden, 65, of Jasper, has been charged with child solicitation by computer and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
Michael Kaczmarek, 43, of McCalla, has been charged with child solicitation by computer and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
Bryan Nehemias, 31, of Montgomery, has been charged with child solicitation by computer and traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
Braden and Kaczmarek have both been released on $60,000 bonds while Nehemias is still being held in the Pell City Jail with a bond of the same amount.
“Parents, we implore you to get involved in your child’s digital life,” Davis said.
“The devices you permit them to have provide them with direct access to the world, and the world gains direct access to them. Don’t let them be victims by being exposed to extreme evil at such a young and influential age.”
Covenant Rescue Group (CRG) is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in June 2019 by former US Navy SEAL Jared Hudson and his wife that provides resources and training to law enforcement to help fight human trafficking.
Argo Police Chief Alan Busler thanked his officers for their work and reiterated that the Argo Police Department will continue to strive to keep the community safe.
