Ex-Democrat Political Hopeful Busted in Major Trafficking Investigation

Former Democratic politician Carl Sprayberry was arrested alongside 18 others in a major trafficking sting operation in Georgia, revealing a disturbing pattern of online predatory behavior targeting children.

Key Takeaways

Former Democratic candidate Carl Sprayberry, 32, was among 19 individuals arrested in “Operation Lights Out,” a trafficking sting in Columbus, Georgia
The four-day operation targeted individuals using social media and dating sites to exploit children
Charges include trafficking, child exploitation, and more
Multiple agencies collaborated in the months-long preparation, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force
Officials confirm no children were harmed during the operation and urge parents to monitor their children’s online activities

Failed Politician Among Those Arrested

A coordinated multi-agency trafficking operation in Columbus, Georgia resulted in the arrest of 19 individuals, including Carl Sprayberry, a 32-year-old former Democratic candidate for Georgia’s state legislature. Sprayberry, who unsuccessfully ran for Georgia House seats in District 134 in 2020 and District 139 in 2024, was taken into custody as part of “Operation Lights Out,” which targeted individuals using online platforms to exploit children.

The operation spanned four days from April 25 to April 28, 2025, and involved extensive collaboration between the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Law enforcement officials targeted suspects who engaged in explicit communication with children online and attempted to arrange meetings with minors.

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

Undercover Officers Prevented Child Exploitation

Officials emphasized that the operation successfully prevented actual harm to children by intercepting the suspects before they could victimize real minors. The investigation specifically focused on individuals using social media applications and dating websites as tools to target and exploit children. The suspects are now facing serious charges including trafficking, computer or electronic pornography, and child exploitation.

The cooperation between multiple law enforcement agencies highlights the growing focus on combating child exploitation under President Trump’s administration. According to officials, operations like “Operation Lights Out” require months of preparation and coordination to execute successfully. The Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office worked closely with state agencies to ensure every aspect of the investigation was conducted properly.

Officials Stress Parental Vigilance

Authorities are using this case to remind parents about the importance of monitoring their children’s online activities. With predators increasingly using digital platforms to target minors, law enforcement officials emphasize that parental oversight is a crucial line of defense against exploitation. Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman made a direct appeal to parents following the operation.

“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.

District Attorney Don Kelly underscored the significance of these operations in protecting vulnerable children from predators. “An operation like this takes months to prepare. Protecting our children from these kinds of predators is one of the most important things that we can do both as law enforcement and as prosecutors,” Kelly stated. The case highlights the ongoing battle against child exploitation that continues to be a priority for law enforcement agencies nationwide.