Daphne, Ala. – Police announced Friday that a coordinated sting operation targeting individuals attempting to purchase sex along the Interstate 10 corridor led to the arrest of 12 men. All 12 face solicitation charges, and three also face additional offenses such as attempting to elude police, resisting arrest, and possession of marijuana.
Former officer among those charged
Among those taken into custody is Jonathan Fender, a former Fairhope police officer. The Fairhope Police Department confirmed that Fender left the department in February to pursue a private‑sector job.
Law‑enforcement perspective
Daphne Police Lieutenant Jason Lazzari of the Criminal Investigations Division stressed the importance of operations like this. “It’s something that needs to be stopped. Something needs to be addressed in this area,” Lazzari said. He added that the activity has long existed but that the department now has the manpower and technology to confront it effectively. “We have it all now,” he noted.
Lazzari clarified that the sting does not indicate a surge in prostitution activity. “It’s always been there, but we have the manpower,” he said, emphasizing that recent investments in resources have enabled the police to act decisively.
Victim‑focused approach
Investigators reported that no actual victims were directly involved in the operation. The goal, according to officials, is to deter future illegal activity and encourage any potential victims to come forward. The Little Tree Project, a nonprofit organization that advocates for victims of exploitation, assisted with the sting.
Arrestees and additional charges
- Jonathan Fender – former Fairhope officer
- Jayden Kelley – Stapleton, AL
- Jordan Phillips – Pensacola, FL
- Jocquez Dixon – Montgomery, AL
- Joseph Bates – Mobile, AL (also charged with attempting to elude police)
- Diego Mauro – detained for ICE
- Shannon Moore – Wilmer, AL
- Carlton Lee – Daphne, AL (also charged with possession of marijuana, 2nd degree)
- Carlos Byther – Daphne, AL (also charged with resisting arrest and possession of marijuana, 2nd degree)
- Joseph Bailey – Gulf Shores, AL (detained for ICE)
- Juan Vellejo III – San Juan, TX
- Terrance Penn – Mount Vernon, AL
The arrests demonstrate a collaborative effort among local, state, and federal agencies to address illegal solicitation and related offenses in Baldwin County. Authorities hope the crackdown will send a clear message that such activity will not be tolerated.
Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.
