Alabama Nonprofit Fights to Protect Children from Online Predators

Covenant Rescue Group partners with law enforcement to combat human trafficking and child exploitation

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Covenant Rescue Group, a nonprofit based in Gardendale, Alabama, is working to protect children from online predators and human trafficking. The organization provides training to law enforcement and has recently aided in several arrests of suspects charged with human trafficking and soliciting minors. CRG CEO Josh Moody emphasizes the importance of parents monitoring their children's online activity and using tools like the Bark app to stay vigilant against potential threats.

Why it matters

Child exploitation and human trafficking are serious issues that can have devastating impacts on young victims. CRG's efforts to partner with law enforcement and educate parents on online safety are crucial to protecting vulnerable children in the community.

The details

CRG recently assisted law enforcement agencies in an operation that resulted in five arrests, with the suspects charged with human trafficking and soliciting minors. The organization provides training to law enforcement and has developed curriculum to educate students, parents, teachers, and administrators on identifying and preventing online predator tactics. CRG CEO Josh Moody emphasizes the need for parents to monitor their children's phone and online activity, even if it means restricting access to devices, in order to protect them from threats like sextortion.

  • CRG recently aided in an operation that resulted in five arrests.
  • In 2004, Alabama passed the Sound of Freedom Act, which gave the state some of the strictest human trafficking laws in the country.

The players

Covenant Rescue Group

A nonprofit organization based in Gardendale, Alabama that fights against human trafficking, child exploitation, and other related crimes.

Josh Moody

The chief executive officer of Covenant Rescue Group.

Jared Hudson

The CEO of Covenant Rescue Group, who stated that if a parent gives a child access to a phone, they're giving that child access to the world and they're giving the world access to them.

Kay Ivey

The Governor of Alabama who passed the Sound of Freedom Act in 2004, which gave Alabama some of the strictest human trafficking laws in the country.

Chad Whaley

A Cullman County sheriff candidate who stated that protecting children is not political, but a moral responsibility.

Tim Creel

A Cullman County sheriff candidate who stated that protecting children is a moral line that will never be crossed.

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What they’re saying

“We are grateful for the dedicated law enforcement agencies who work to protect the most vulnerable. CRG remains committed to standing beside agencies across the country with training, technology, and operational support to combat human trafficking and child exploitation.”

— Covenant Rescue Group (Covenant Rescue Group)

“If a parent gives a child access to a phone, they're giving that child access to the world and they're giving the world access to them.”

— Jared Hudson, CEO, Covenant Rescue Group (The Cullman Tribune)

“Protecting our children is not political — it is a moral responsibility.”

— Chad Whaley, Cullman County Sheriff Candidate (The Cullman Tribune)

“I stand firmly and unequivocally against crimes targeting children. Protecting children is not a political talking point for me; it is a moral line that will never be crossed.”

— Tim Creel, Cullman County Sheriff Candidate (The Cullman Tribune)

“Throughout scripture God tells us over and over again to protect those that are vulnerable, protect those who can't protect themselves. Protect them and be their defender. Morally and legally we have an obligation to protect our kids, 100%.”

— Josh Moody, CEO, Covenant Rescue Group (The Cullman Tribune)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the suspects out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical importance of parents and law enforcement working together to protect children from online predators and human trafficking. By monitoring children's online activity, using tools like the Bark app, and partnering with organizations like Covenant Rescue Group, communities can take proactive steps to safeguard the most vulnerable.