Dale County is a county located in the southeastern part of the state of Alabama and has a population of approximately 49,000 residents. Its government seat and largest city is Ozark, AL. Instances of prostitution and sex trafficking have recently been documented in the county. This activity and the problems and ancillary crimes it generates have resulted in complaints to law enforcement agencies from residents and businesses. Among the more serious crimes associated with the commercial sex market in the county is the sex trafficking of minors and adults. For example, in 2020, a couple from Dale County was charged with multiple felony offenses related to child sex trafficking. The investigation was initiated after a citizen reported suspicions of sexual exploitation to local police. The couple was arrested and booked at Dale County Jail and were both held on bonds of over $1M. At the time of reports, the investigation was ongoing as the offenders potentially faced additional charges. In 2021, two search warrants were executed by the Dale County Sheriff’s Office after a complaint was filed regarding the possible occurrence of sex trafficking activity by an owner of a private security company in Ozark, AL. The Ozark man was arrested and charged with two counts of 1st degree human trafficking, 1st degree sodomy, and 1st degree sexual abuse. In addition, officials have also reported issues concerning prostitution occurring at local massage parlors. For example, in 2008, the Dale County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation into a local massage parlor that resulted in the arrest of two individuals on charges of promoting prostitution. According to reports, this was the second investigation conducted at a local massage parlor between 2006 and 2008.

To reduce the demand for commercial sex in the county, the sheriff’s office has collaborated with local police departments to conduct reverse sting operations. For example, in May 2016, fifteen male sex buyers were arrested in a web-based sting led by the Daleville Department of Public Safety. The operation was initiated in response to complaints from the community. According to reports, all fifteen men responded to a website known for advertising prostitution and communicated with the undercover officers and arranged meetings. The suspects arrived in Daleville according to their agreements with undercover officers, and were then arrested. The arrested offenders were taken to the Daleville City Jail and held on $1,000 bonds, respectively. In addition, the arrested sex buyers had their vehicles towed by local towing services, and their names, ages, and hometowns were publicly released by local news outlets.