A former Democratic candidate for the Georgia state legislature, Carl Sprayberry, has been arrested in a multi-agency child sex trafficking sting — just months after making inflammatory social media posts calling for the assassination of President Donald Trump.
Sprayberry, 32, who unsuccessfully ran for Georgia’s District 139 seat in the 2024 election, was among 19 individuals taken into custody during “Operation Lights Out,” a four-day undercover investigation conducted from April 24 to April 28. The sting targeted individuals who used the internet to arrange sexual encounters with minors.
Authorities say Sprayberry was communicating with individuals he believed to be underage and allegedly attempted to set up meetings for illicit purposes. He now faces serious charges that could carry lengthy prison sentences if convicted.
What makes the arrest even more disturbing is Sprayberry’s history of radical rhetoric. Back in February, he posted multiple unhinged statements on social media accusing Trump of “high treason” and suggesting that violent action — including assassination — would be justified. His posts drew immediate backlash from conservatives and law enforcement advocates, with many warning that his rhetoric was not just dangerous, but potentially criminal.
The combination of violent political threats and now criminal behavior involving child exploitation paints a grim picture of a failed political candidate who spiraled into criminal depravity. Law enforcement sources have confirmed that Sprayberry’s political affiliation and past statements did not influence the operation — he was caught like anyone else, by posing a threat to children and public safety.
The sting, coordinated across several law enforcement agencies, reflects an ongoing national effort to crack down on child exploitation networks, particularly those operating online. Authorities say suspects in the operation believed they were arranging meetups with minors, not realizing they were communicating with undercover agents.
Sprayberry’s arrest has reignited calls for greater scrutiny of individuals running for public office, particularly those who espouse violent or extremist views. While political speech is protected, many argue that open threats — especially against public officials — should disqualify candidates from seeking office.
“This is a man who publicly fantasized about murdering a U.S. president,” one law enforcement official said. “Now he’s behind bars in a sting targeting predators trying to exploit children. That tells you everything you need to know.”
The investigation is ongoing, and more charges could be filed. For now, the case serves as yet another reminder that some of the loudest voices calling for “justice” may in fact be hiding their own crimes in plain sight.