Human Trafficking Operation Exposed In Fultondale

JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL — A suspected human trafficking operation was discovered by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Thursday in Fultondale, a discovery that netted multiple arrests.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Vice and Narcotics Unit teamed up with the FBI, Fultondale Police Department, Trussville Police Department, Bessemer Police Department and Gardendale Police Department to investigate a suspected human trafficking operation in the 1700 Block of Fulton Road in Fultondale.

Sgt. Joni Money of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said during the operation, two 39-year-old men were arrested. Charles Andrew Harley of Auburn was charged with human trafficking, trafficking in stolen identities and possession of a forged instrument. His bond is set at $55,000.

Nehemiah Isaiah Yearby of Hueytown was also arrested, and was charged with human trafficking, possession of controlled substances, receiving stolen property, certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm and possession of marijuana. His bonds are set at $36,000.

Money said 13 other people were arrested on charges of prostitution. "As is common in these type cases, most of these subjects will not admit to being victims, however, the operation is shut down in Fultondale and will not continue," Money said.