What is Covenant Rescue Group? Nonprofit run by Senate candidate Jared Hudson draws questions

As the race for Alabama’s open U.S. Senate seat intensifies, Republican candidate Jared Hudson has leaned heavily into his background in law enforcement and his vocal commitment to combating human trafficking. Hudson, who is making a serious play for the Senate seat, remains a central figure in discussions surrounding his nonprofit, Covenant Rescue Group (CRG).

Questions Raised Over Nonprofit Tactics

While CRG reports significant activity—with operations in 2025 contributing to 107 arrests—the organization’s methods and Hudson’s own role in law enforcement have drawn scrutiny. Birmingham attorney Scott Gilliland recently questioned the distinction between CRG’s operations and traditional police work.

"Covenant Rescue Group does not do the same kind of work at all as the sheriff’s office," said Gilliland, who has served as a contract prosecutor in Blount County. "In fact, we’ve had real-life human trafficking cases involving real-life victims. CRG and Jared Hudson aren’t involved in those."

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Inside the Operations of Covenant Rescue Group

Founded in 2019, CRG functions primarily as a training entity for law enforcement agencies across the country. According to Hudson, the mission is to provide agencies with the tools to proactively identify and apprehend individuals targeting children. "We train local agencies all over the nation on how to best proactively go after individuals who are buying and selling kids," Hudson explained.

The organization clarifies that it does not execute arrests or litigate cases independently, instead aiming to empower local authorities. "We want them to get the credit for the arrest," said Stewart Hartley, CRG’s chief training officer.

In addition to his nonprofit leadership, Hudson maintains active roles as a reserve deputy in Blount County and a task force officer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Hudson told 205focus.com that he provides training, intelligence support, and assistance with warrants, often working without pay to support local agencies.

Support from Local Law Enforcement

Despite criticisms regarding the nature of his work, Hudson has received backing from local officials. Blount County Sheriff Mark Moon, who has endorsed Hudson’s candidacy, defended the candidate’s contributions to public safety. Moon noted that Hudson has provided essential training for child exploitation stings, focusing on legal compliance to ensure cases remain prosecutable.

"These measures ensure a prosecutable case so that we make good arrests," Moon stated on social media, emphasizing the hours Hudson dedicates to the department’s special response team.

Shifting Focus: Proactive Stings

CRG’s methodology often involves coaching police on conducting stings using decoys and fake profiles on messaging sites. While Gilliland acknowledged that he does not object to these tactics, he emphasized that such operations should not be conflated with the physical rescue of victims from active trafficking situations.

Hartley maintains that these interventions are vital for catching predators before they can cause further harm. The organization has received credit for its support in operations across Alabama, including in Fultondale and Irondale, as well as cases in Indiana. "Now we’re actually giving law enforcement the skills that they need to go out and catch these individuals that are preying on young people at an earlier time period," Hartley said.