Columbus, GA – Carl Sprayberry, a 32-year-old former Democratic candidate for the Georgia State House, was arrested on April 26, 2025, in Muscogee County, Georgia, during a multi-agency sting operation named “Operation Lights Out.” The operation, which ran from April 25 to April 28, 2025, targeted individuals engaging in sexually explicit online communication with children, arranging to meet minors for sex, and traveling to do so.
Sprayberry faces human trafficking charges, as confirmed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office. No children were harmed, as undercover investigators posed as minors during the sting.
The GBI, Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, and Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force collaborated on “Operation Lights Out” to catch online predators.
Sprayberry was one of 19 suspects arrested after allegedly engaging in explicit conversations with undercover agents posing as children and attempting to meet them for illegal purposes.
Click below to view the entire list of the 19 offenders who were arrested for suspected human trafficking – gbi.georgia.gov
Sheriff Greg Countryman emphasized the severity of the crimes, stating, “It takes a sick individual to want to take away a right that a child has – and the freedom and the safety and the comfort that a child has – to bring harm to these children”.
The motives behind Sprayberry’s actions remain unclear, as no public statements from him explain his involvement. Authorities noted that predators often use social media and dating apps to target victims, which was a focus of the sting.
When Did It Happen?
The sting operation took place over four days, from April 25 to April 28, 2025. Sprayberry was arrested on April 26 and booked into Muscogee County Jail. He appeared in court on April 28, where his case was bound over to superior court without bond.
As of May 2, 2025, Sprayberry has not been convicted. His case is in the early stages, with additional charges or developments possible as the investigation continues.
The GBI encourages anyone with information to contact their Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit at 404-270-8870 or submit anonymous tips via the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children CyberTipline. For more details, visit the GBI’s official statement.
Some conservative-leaning outlets and X posts claim Sprayberry called for the assassination of former President Donald Trump on social media, citing alleged quotes like, “Donald Trump has committed an act of High Treason. Should Congress refuse to take action, he will be killed by the people, as per the Second Amendment’s existence,” and another implying a Secret Service agent “should shoot him”. These claims also mention a call to bomb Mar-a-Lago.
However, Sprayberry’s current social media accounts, including Facebook and X, are suspended or unavailable, and no primary evidence, such as screenshots, was provided in the sources. Mainstream outlets like the GBI and local news do not reference these allegations, making them unverified.
Who Is Carl Sprayberry? Associations and Background
Carl Sprayberry, born June 3, 1992, is a Columbus, Georgia native, and most recently, worked as chef at a restaurant in Georgia.
He ran as a Democrat for Georgia House District 134 in 2020, challenging incumbent Richard Smith, and for District 139 in 2024, losing to incumbent Carmen Rice. He also ran for Muscogee County Council in 2022. His campaigns focused on expanding healthcare, renewable energy, affordable housing, and reproductive rights. Sprayberry was recognized by Moms Demand Action for his stance against gun violence.
Professionally, he interacted with local Democratic Party members and community organizations during his campaigns, but no close associates were named in connection to the arrest.
More Info and Quotes About “Operation Lights Out”
- Sheriff Greg Countryman: “These predators will travel from near and far to victimize your children. We take these crimes against children very seriously”.
- GBI Special Agent Brian Johnston: “There were no children at harm at all in this… had we not been there as law enforcement working in an undercover capacity, these very same perpetrators… would have been talking to our children in our community”.
- Sprayberry (from 2020 campaign): “I’m a Columbus native. I am running to address the many issues facing Georgia today, with the COVID-19 outbreak and its impacts in our communities as the first and foremost matter”.
- Multi-State Operation: “Operation Lights Out” involved suspects from Georgia, Alabama, Illinois, and even Canada, showing the widespread nature of online child exploitation.
- No Entrapment Concerns: Authorities clarified that suspects initiated sexual conversations, ensuring the operation avoided entrapment. Undercover agents were trained to let perpetrators lead the interactions.
- Digital Evidence: The GBI seized 21 electronic devices during the sting, which are being forensically analyzed to uncover additional evidence.
What’s Next?
Sprayberry’s case will proceed in Muscogee County Superior Court, where he faces human trafficking charges. Prosecutors may add charges based on digital evidence or further investigation. If convicted, he could face severe penalties, including years in prison, given the seriousness of the charges.
The unverified allegations of threats against Trump may prompt further scrutiny from federal authorities like the Secret Service, though no such investigation has been confirmed. Public and political reactions continue to unfold, with calls for stronger measures against child exploitation.
This case highlights the ongoing fight against online predators and the importance of community vigilance. Stay updated as the legal process continues.
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