On Friday, December 13, 2019, officers with Columbia Police Department conducted a special operation with members of the Pine Belt Human Trafficking Task Force. The operation was aimed at targeting those who were attempting to exploit or entice juveniles for sexual purposes, solicit prostitutes, and to possibly identify prostitutes who are victims of human trafficking in the Pine Belt area. During the operation 6 arrests were made. Four subjects were charged with Procuring Prostitution, misdemeanor, and two were charged with Enticement Of A Child To Meet For Sexual Purposes, felony.
Brandon L. Brumfield, age 22 of Greensburg LA, charged with Enticement Of A Child To Meet For Sexual Purposes. Bond was set for $100,000.
Derrick L. Lamont, age 22, of Hattiesburg MS, charged with Enticement Of A Child To Meet For Sexual Purposes, Bond was set for $100,000
Matthew R. Maxie, age 46 of Monticello MS, charged with Procuring Prostitution. He was given a citation, released and is expected to appear on a February court date.
Gary Womack, age 58, of Mendenhall MS, charged with Procuring Prostitution. He was given a citation, released and is expected to appear on a February court date.
Samuel L. Bryant, age 22 of Lumberton MS, charged with Procuring Prostitution. He was given a citation, released and is expected to appear on a February court date.
Jonathan C. Jackson, age 32, of Hattiesburg MS, charged with Procuring Prostitution. He was given a citation, released and is expected to appear on a February court date.
Memebers of the Pine Belt Human Trafficking Taskforce that assisted in the Columbia Operation are: Columbia Police Department, Homeland Security, Mississippi Department of Corrections, Forrest County Sheriff’s Department, 12th District Narcotics Enforcement Team, HIDTA area taskforce, Purvis Police Department, Waveland Police Department, Hinds County Sheriff’s Department, Meridian Public Schools Campus Police
Not-For-Profit organizations that provided volunteers and logistical support are: Klass Kids, FREE International, Called2Rescue, Anonymity Rescue Ministries, The Center for Violence Prevention, and the Columbia Police Department’s Mercy Project.