Tallapoosa County is located in the east central portion of the U.S. state of Alabama and has a population of approximately 41,000 residents. The county’s largest city is Alexander City, and the county seat is Dadeville. Instances of prostitution and sex trafficking have consistently been reported by county officials but have only recently initiated demand-reduction tactics. For example, in June 2019, the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant at a mobile home park off Dadeville Road in Alexander City after investigators received several complaints of narcotic activity and a prostitution operation. After investigators located and seized illicit drugs, further investigation led to the website called Skip the Game, where the suspects were found to be soliciting prostitution. Two individuals were arrested, and charges included 20 counts of Prostitution and one count of Promoting Prostitution. The identities, images, age, location, and charges of arrested offenders were included in reports of the arrests. In addition, officials identified several sex buyers and further arrests were announced as forthcoming.

In May 2019, the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department, with members of the State of Alabama Internet Crimes Against Children’s Task Force, Jackson’s Gap Police and Camp Hill Police conducted a multi-state child exploitation investigation called “Operation Southern Impact III.” As a result of the four-month investigation, three men were arrested in Tallapoosa County on related charges. Charges included possession of marijuana, possession/distribution of child pornography (i.e., child sexual abuse materials), and electronic solicitation of a child. Identities, ages, photos, locations, and charges were included in reports from local news sources. Across all eight states, Operation Southern Impact III resulted in the arrest of 82 individuals and seizure of 24 pieces of evidence.