Louisville, KY – A Louisville man is facing escalated federal charges following an undercover operation targeting those seeking to exploit children. Alexander Young, 26, already facing charges related to online enticement, now stands accused of online enticement, transferring obscene material to a minor, and producing child pornography. The charges stem from ‘Operation Angel,’ a multi-agency effort that has yielded five federal indictments to date.
According to the latest indictment, Young connected with a girl under the age of 16 online in December 2022. Investigators allege he persuaded her to engage in sexual activity and exchange sexually explicit images, some of which she allegedly sent to him. He also allegedly sent her explicit images of himself. These new charges are a direct result of continued investigation following the initial phase of Operation Angel, demonstrating the depth of the alleged offenses.
This isn’t an isolated case. Earlier this year, four men were arrested as part of the operation. Justin Aubrey, 26, and Steven Earnest, 35, were indicted on March 15, 2023, for attempted sex trafficking of children. Earnest also faces a charge of attempted online enticement. Kevin O’Donnell, 26, and the previously mentioned Alexander Young were initially charged on February 22, 2023, with attempted online enticement. The sting relied on undercover law enforcement posing online to identify and apprehend predators.
The disturbing details reveal a pattern of predatory behavior. Aubrey and Earnest allegedly appeared, with money in hand, at meetings arranged after they negotiated to pay for sex with children under the age of 14. O’Donnell and Young were also charged after appearing at arranged meetings intended to facilitate sexual activity with minors under 16. All encounters were thwarted by law enforcement officials operating in undercover roles.
The operation involved a broad coalition of federal, state, and local agencies, led by the U.S. Secret Service. Participating agencies included the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, the Louisville Metro Police Department, the Jeffersontown Police Department, and the Owensboro Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jo E. Lawless.
The investigation is part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation. Officials stress that an indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. All defendants remain in federal custody pending the outcome of their cases. Those with information about child exploitation are encouraged to contact authorities.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Press Release
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