7 arrested in Irondale after online child exploitation operation

Seven people were arrested after an operation involving the Irondale Police Department’s Sex Crimes Unit.

In coordination with Covenant Rescue Group with assistance from the Trussville Police Department, Irondale PD deployed undercover decoys posing as minors. The efforts led to the seven felony arrests of people police said sought to engage in sexual activity with minors.

Authorities identified the seven people arrested as:

29-year-old Tommy Usher III of Birmingham
22-year-old Isaiah Burton of Birmingham
23-year-old Michael Burdett of Anniston
64-year-old James Harrison of Birmingham
42-year-old Juan Esteban of Tarrant
43-year-old Martin Flores of Leeds
40-year-old Derrick Tuck of Birmingham
Each of the seven people arrested have been charged with electronic solicitation of a minor and traveling to meet a minor for an unlawful sex act. They are all being held on a $80,000 bond.

“Our top priority is protecting the most vulnerable members of our community — our children,” said Chief Paul Kellogg of the Irondale Police Department. “The dedication of our investigators and the cooperation with our law enforcement partners demonstrate our ongoing commitment to ensuring that individuals who prey on minors are identified, arrested, and prosecuted.”

“We will continue to pursue anyone who uses the internet to exploit or endanger children,” said Detective Batson, lead investigator of the Sex Crimes Unit. “We also encourage parents and guardians to remain vigilant about their children’s online activity and to report any suspicious behavior immediately.”

The Irondale Police Department said if you have any information about suspected child exploitation, you should call their Sex Crimes Unit at 205-951-1382 extension 2021 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

https://www.fox10tv.com/2025/10/16/7-arrested-irondale-after-online-child-exploitation-operation/