BIRMINGHAM–The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama has presented its first Vanguard Award to Homeland Security Investigations Task Force Officer Marlon Cole.

The office recognized Cole for his dedication and persistence in protecting children from online predators.

According to the Justice Department, Cole played a critical role in identifying and locating Trevon Lamont Brown. Authorities said Brown concealed his identity online while targeting young people.

Through his investigative work, Cole helped uncover Brown’s identity and bring him out of hiding, the office said.

Brown, 25, of Ocala, Florida, received a 50-year federal prison sentence in April. The sentence also includes a lifetime term of supervised release.

In December 2025, Brown pleaded guilty to sex trafficking, production of child pornography, coercion and enticement of a minor, and cyberstalking.

Court documents said Brown posed online as a teenage girl and persuaded victims to send sexually explicit photographs and videos. He then threatened to distribute the material unless the victims complied with additional demands.

In announcing the award, U.S. Attorney Phillip W. Williams Jr. credited Cole’s work with helping secure justice for Brown’s victims.

“HSI-TFO Cole demonstrated the kind of persistence and dedication that this award was created to recognize,” Williams said.

Award Recognizes Exceptional Law Enforcement Work

The U.S. Attorney’s Office established the Vanguard Award to recognize law enforcement partners who go above and beyond in assisting the Justice Department.

The term “vanguard” traditionally describes those who move ahead of the main force. Similarly, the office said the award honors highly skilled and effective law enforcement professionals willing to go the extra mile to protect the public.

In this case, the office said Cole exemplified that mission through his determination to identify Brown and protect young people from online exploitation.

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