Hale County Man Charged With Rape, Child Sex Crimes

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A Hale County man has been charged with rape and other offenses after being taken into custody Friday by the West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force.

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Captain Phil Simpson, commander of the multiagency task force, said 27-year-old Brodderrick Ward is charged second-degree rape, traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act, two counts of electronic solicitation of a child and two counts of transmitting obscene material to a child.

Simpson said investigators discovered Ward was using social media to communicate with several victims locally and in other states.

“We believe there are additional victims here in our area,” Simpson said. “Anyone who thinks their child may have been a victim is asked to please contact us.”

Simpson said the investigation is ongoing, with additional charges expected.

Ward is being held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail, with his bond set at $200,000.

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