Prattville School Employee Among Five Arrested in Child Predator Sting

A Prattville High School business teacher and former coach was arrested March 12 as part of an undercover operation by the Prattville Police Department that netted five men accused of using the internet to solicit minors for sexual activity.

Brian Pittman, identified on the school's website as a business teacher, faces one count of electronic solicitation of a child and one count of traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act. The other four men arrested are Aron Clay, Kircharr Black, Jemaine Lyles, and Jeffrey Beasley. All five face identical charges and are being held at the Elmore County Jail on $90,000 bond each.

The charges carry serious weight under Alabama law. Electronic solicitation of a child falls under Alabama Code §13A-6-122 as a Class B felony, while traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act is classified under §13A-6-124 as a Class A felony, the most serious felony classification in the state.

Autauga County Schools moved quickly once Pittman's arrest became known, placing him on administrative leave and removing him from campus. The district's statement was direct: "First and foremost, student safety is a top priority for Autauga County Schools. Any actions that jeopardize that safety are dealt with swiftly and to the full extent of district policy and state law. At this time, there is no indication that this situation involves any students. The district is working in full cooperation with the Prattville Police Department and other law enforcement authorities."

In a separate statement, the district noted it was "limited in the details that can be shared at this time" given the ongoing investigation. Prattville police also confirmed independently that Pittman's arrest did not involve a student.

The operation was focused specifically on identifying individuals who used online platforms to solicit minors and then traveled to meet them for sexual activity, according to police. Officials say the investigation remains ongoing and that additional charges may be forthcoming.