Calhoun County, AL – On Friday, September 4, 2026, Calhoun District Court Judge Randy Moeller held an Aniah’s Law hearing that was requested by the Calhoun County District Attorney’s Office. The hearing was for the defendant, Aubrey Butler, in regard to a Solicitation of a Child charge. District Attorney Lynn Hammond and Assistant District Attorney Rose Walton introduced evidence and interviews that were collected by law enforcement during the investigation. The primary investigation was initiated by the Oxford Police Department.
Through law enforcement witness questioning, the court learned that the crimes Butler was charged with began when the victim was 9 years of age and continued until the victim was 12 years of age. Investigators said that when the victim was interviewed, it was learned that the victim was afraid to come forward because Butler was also a pastor and the victim didn’t think anyone would believe them. Investigators also testified about a number of search warrants that were issued regarding Butler’s electronic devices and went on to say they were able to retrieve evidence even though the devices had been “factory reset” numerous times. Some of the messages that were recovered included messages to underage people asking their ages and requesting that they send him specific inappropriate photos of themselves. It was also introduced that Butler would create fake accounts and act as a person who was also underage, including using photos of other children as his profile picture. Investigators were also able to identify at least 85 fake social media accounts that were created by Butler, and subpoenas were issued to Instagram and Snapchat for account information and copies of interactions. Also, through the search warrants issued, investigators found 29 websites containing images of child sexual abuse that Butler had visited.
Once Butler had learned of the investigation into him by law enforcement, he was found to be also using ChatGPT and asking what the police could do. He also asked if Instagram evidence could be used against him and how.
When Butler was directly questioned by investigators, he signed a form waiving his right to remain silent and did speak with them. During that interview, Butler denied ever having a Snapchat account or an Instagram account.
When the District Attorney’s Office finished, Judge Moeller decided to present his ruling from the bench. Judge Moeller agreed that there was enough evidence to hold Butler without bail due to the severity of the charges and the dangers to the public.
Butler is currently incarcerated in the Calhoun County Jail with the following charges:
- Production of Obscene Material
- 10 cts – Electronic Solicitation of Child Pornography under 17
- 7 cts – Electronic Solicitation of a Child
- Sodomy 1st Degree
- Sexual Abuse of a Child Less than 12
- Possession of Child Sex Abuse Material
- Sexual Abuse 2nd Degree
