Democrat Party Candidate Arrested in Connection With Trafficking Ring

Carl Sprayberry, a former Democratic candidate for the Georgia State House, was among 19 individuals arrested during a multi-agency trafficking sting operation in Columbus, Georgia.

Quick Takes

Democrat politician Carl Sprayberry, who unsuccessfully ran for Georgia State House in 2020 and 2024, was swept up in “Operation Lights Out,” a child exploitation sting.
The four-day operation resulted in 19 arrests for various charges including trafficking, child exploitation and more.
Multiple agencies collaborated, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Suspects allegedly used social media apps and dating websites to engage in explicit communication with minors.
Officials confirm no children were harmed during the operation that required months of preparation.

Former Democratic Candidate Among 19 Arrested in Trafficking Sting

A multi-agency trafficking operation in Columbus, Georgia, led to the arrest of 19 individuals, including Carl Sprayberry, a 32-year-old former Democratic candidate who previously ran for Georgia House seats in District 134 in 2020 and District 139 in 2024. The operation, dubbed “Operation Lights Out,” was conducted over a four-day period from April 25 to April 28, 2025, by the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Suspects face serious charges including trafficking, child exploitation, and more.

Authorities targeted individuals who were using social networking applications and dating websites to exploit children. These suspects allegedly engaged in explicit communications with minors online and attempted to arrange meetings. Law enforcement officers worked in undercover capacities to identify and apprehend these individuals before they could cause harm to actual children in the community. The operation required extensive planning and coordination among multiple agencies to ensure its success while protecting potential victims.

Carl Sprayberry, a 32-year-old Columbus, Georgia, native and two-time Democratic candidate for the Georgia State House (District 134 in 2020 and District 139 in 2024), was among 19 suspects arrested.
The arrests were part of "Operation Lights Out," a four-day undercover operation…

— Jungleball2 (@JungleBall_2) April 30, 2025

Law Enforcement Officials Emphasize Child Protection

Officials involved in the operation stressed the critical importance of protecting children from online predators. The investigation highlighted the sophisticated methods used by perpetrators to target minors through technology platforms that many parents might consider safe. Investigators revealed that the suspects employed various tactics to gain the trust of potential victims, making it essential for parents to maintain vigilant oversight of their children’s online activities and communications.

“It takes a sick individual to want to take away a right that a child has – and the freedom and the safety and the comfort that a child has – to bring harm to these children,” said Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman.

Brian Johnston, GBI Special Agent in Charge, confirmed that while no children were physically harmed during the operation, the threat to community safety was very real. He explained that these same perpetrators would have been communicating with actual children, arranging meetings, and more had law enforcement not intercepted them. The operation revealed the persistent danger of online predators and the need for continued vigilance from both authorities and parents.

Months of Planning and Parental Vigilance Required

District Attorney Don Kelly emphasized the extensive preparation required for such a complex operation, stating that it took months to organize. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and prosecutors demonstrates the priority placed on protecting children from exploitation. Officials noted that these types of investigations are resource-intensive but essential to maintaining community safety and preventing harm to vulnerable minors who may not recognize dangerous online situations.

“I can’t stress enough for the parents – please monitor your children and what they do on the computers. It’s okay to be a nosey parent. Know who they’re speaking with because we’re not going to stop until they stop preying on our kids,” Sheriff Countryman said.

Sheriff Countryman’s plea to parents underscores the partnership needed between law enforcement and families to protect children effectively. Authorities recommend that parents maintain open communication with their children about online safety, regularly check their digital activities, and teach them to recognize warning signs of potential exploitation. The arrests serve as a stark reminder that predators can be found in all walks of life, including positions of public trust, making community vigilance all the more important in safeguarding the well-being of children.