03/09/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Wedowee Police Department recently conducted an undercover operation targeting individuals seeking to exploit minors through online platforms.
During the operation, five individuals were arrested on human trafficking and child exploitation charges. The suspects communicated online with what they believed to be minors before arranging to meet in person. When the suspects arrived at the designated location, they were taken into custody by law enforcement officers.
Those arrested and their charges include:
Jody Michael Crenshaw, 55
● 2 counts of Human Trafficking 1st Degree
● 1 count of Electronic Solicitation of a Child
● 1 count of Traveling to Meet a Child for an Unlawful S*x Act
Rocael Marroquin, 21
● 4 counts of Human Trafficking 1st Degree
● 2 counts of Electronic Solicitation of a Child
● 2 counts of Traveling to Meet a Child for an Unlawful S*x Act
Chad Dickerson, 37
● 2 counts of Human Trafficking 1st Degree
● 1 count of Electronic Solicitation of a Child
● 1 count of Traveling to Meet a Child for an Unlawful S*x Act
Damyon Jamal Person, 22
● 2 counts of Human Trafficking 1st Degree
● 1 count of Electronic Solicitation of a Child
● 1 count of Traveling to Meet a Child for an Unlawful S*x Act
Joseph Cardale Eagland, 30
● 2 counts of Human Trafficking 1st Degree
● 1 count of Electronic Solicitation of a Child
● 1 count of Traveling to Meet a Child for an Unlawful S*x Act
The operation was conducted by the Wedowee Police Department with assistance from the Randolph County Sheriff's Office, Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, Clay County Sheriff’s Office Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Wadley Police Department, Valley Police Department, Assistant District Attorney Tucker North from Alabama 5th Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office and Covenant Rescue Group.
“The safety of our children is our top priority,” said Robert Taylor - Chief of Police for the Wedowee Police Department. “Operations like this send a clear message that individuals who attempt to exploit or traffic minors will be identified, arrested, and held accountable.”
The Wedowee Police Department remains committed to protecting children and working with partner agencies to combat child exploitation and human trafficking.
Due to the ongoing nature of the cases, additional details may be withheld until a later date as the investigation and prosecution process continues.
The Wedowee Police Department encourages parents to remain actively involved in their children’s online activity and to speak with them about the dangers of communicating with strangers on the internet.
Online predators often use social media, gaming platforms, and messaging apps to target minors. Protecting children in our community remains one of our highest priorities.
Individuals named and pictured are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
