by Melissa Foust-McCoy
A Manning man was among nine suspects arrested in Georgia during a multi-day child-predator sting in which investigators say adults traveled to meet who they believed was a minor for sex.
Julius Dukes III, 30, of Manning, was taken into custody at some point during “Operation Fowl Play,” a four-day undercover operation conducted Nov. 20–23 by the Grovetown Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Investigators say Dukes arrived at a pre-arranged meeting location in Grovetown where he thought he would encounter a child. Instead, he was met by members of the task force and assisting agencies.
Dukes has since been charged with trafficking a person for sexual servitude and is being held at the Columbia County Detention Center without bond, according to updated booking information.
The operation involved undercover agents posing as minors on internet and cellphone apps. Investigators said they engaged with more than 1,000 individuals, of which 208 “verified adults expressed a desire to meet for sexual activity.” Despite repeated warnings that they were communicating with a child, 68 continued conversations, with several allegedly offering payment for sex.
Authorities said roughly 25 of those individuals indicated they were willing to travel, and nine ultimately did — including Dukes.
The following individuals were arrested during the operation:
- Taqavious Reid, 22, Tignall, Ga.
-
Dentavius Roberts, 31, Sandersville, Ga.
-
Andrew Wren, 51, Graniteville, S.C.
-
Mark Cosby, 34, North Augusta, S.C.
-
Feliciano Lopez, 45, Bath, S.C.
-
Rekai Creque, 23, Grovetown, Ga.
-
Roy Judkins, 34, North Augusta, S.C.
-
Julius Dukes III, 38, Manning, S.C.
-
Lavondre Nix, 25, Aiken. S.C.
Each suspect was charged with child exploitation and/or human-trafficking offenses. Investigators also reported that seven of the nine had firearms when they arrived at the meeting location.
Another 28 individuals have been identified for further investigation, with additional charges possible.
The operation was supported by multiple agencies, including the GBI, Army Criminal Investigations Division, Columbia County District Attorney’s Office, Polk County Police, Hall and Floyd County sheriff’s offices, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Augusta University Police and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Grovetown Police Chief Jamey Kitchens said the department remains committed to working with the GBI ICAC Task Force to “identify and remove from our streets those who prey on and exploit the children of our communities.”
Editor’s note: The Grovetown Police Department’s press release incorrectly listed the Manning suspect’s name as Julius Duke III. His correct name is Julius Dukes III.
