A Walker County couple is facing multiple serious felony charges following an investigation into alleged child abuse and trafficking.

According to the Walker County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began May 15 after deputies received a tip concerning possible abuse involving a child.

Investigators later obtained warrants charging 60-year-old David Rutherford and 43-year-old Heather Rutherford, both of Flintstone, with trafficking, rape, and aggravated sodomy.

Deputies executed a search warrant May 22 at a residence on Nancy Lane in Flintstone as part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities say the couple had already been taken into custody in Rhea County, Tennessee before the search warrant was carried out.

Officials stated the arrests were made without incident and involved coordination between the Walker County Sheriff’s Office, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rhea County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation remains ongoing.