Meri HearnA tip about suspected human trafficking of a minor has led to two arrests and a big marijuana seizure in DeKalb County, Ala., according to a news release.
The tip came to the sheriff's office Wednesday, according to the release. Investigators obtained a warrant on Rex Tidmore, 59, of Geraldine, on a charge of conspiracy to commit human trafficking.
When officers searched his home on County Road 33 they found two indoor marijuana growing operations with around 120 plants, as well as about 50 pounds of loose marijuana, the release stated.
The investigators got another warrant for a house on Highway 75 in Fyffe, where they found another indoor growing operation and around 40 plants.
Tidmore was arrested and charged with human trafficking conspiracy as well as multiple drug charges.
Investigators also conducted a separate child abuse investigation, charging Lea Meri Hearn, 31, of Geraldine, with abuse of child torture/willful.
The release did not explain how the two cases were connected or include any specific information on the human trafficking or child abuse charge. It said the investigation remains open.
Investigators also seized about $45,000 during the search of the homes
Hearn and Tidmore were transported to the DeKalb County Detention center.