12 arrested in prostitution sting led by Daphne Police Department

BY COLIN JAMES
Reporter
colin@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 11/13/26

The Daphne Police Department led a multi-agency human trafficking enforcement operation in Baldwin County over the weekend, resulting in the arrest of 12 people.

According to a statement from …

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12 arrested in prostitution sting led by Daphne Police Department

Posted

The Daphne Police Department led a multi-agency human trafficking enforcement operation in Baldwin County over the weekend, resulting in the arrest of 12 people.

According to a statement from the Daphne Police Department, the operation was held on Friday, Nov. 6, at locations along the Interstate 10 corridor in Baldwin County. It was supported by open-source intelligence and additional operational assistance from The Little Tree Project, a civilian nonprofit organization dedicated to victim advocacy.

Other law enforcement agencies involved in the operation include the Orange Beach Police Department , Gulf Shores Police Department, Spanish Fort Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff's Office and Homeland Security Investigations.

Among the 12 men arrested was Jonathan Fender, a Silverhill resident and former Fairhope police officer who reportedly left the department to work in the private sector.

Along with Fender, other individuals who were arrested for solicitation of prostitution in the sting included:

  • Jayden Kelley, of Stapleton
  • Jordan Phillips, of Pensacola, Florida
  • Jocquez Dixon, of Montgomery
  • Joseph Bates, of Mobile, also charged with Attempting to Elude Police
  • Diego Mauro, also detained for ICE
  • Shannon Moore, of Wilmer
  • Carlton Lee, of Daphne, also charged with Possession of Marijuana 2nd Degree
  • Carlos Byther, of Daphne, also charged with Resisting Arrest and Possession of Marijuana 2nd Degree
  • Joseph Bailey, of Gulf Shores, also detained for ICE
  • Juan Vellejo, III, of San Juan, Texas
  • Terrance Penn, of Mount Vernon