Police in Scottsdale, Arizona, arrested over 150 individuals in a sting operation targeting human trafficking, focusing on sex buyers and child predators.
Charges included child sex trafficking, prostitution, drug possession, and more.
“Between January 23 and February 10, the Scottsdale Police Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit (HEAT) conducted a proactive operation to arrest sex buyers, child predators and individuals involved with the sex trade and trafficking,” the police department wrote on X.
158 people were arrested during a 12 day multi-agency operation targeting Human Trafficking in Scottsdale, Arizona. #HumanTrafficking #scottsdalepd pic.twitter.com/SVmXoK4Eih
— ScottsdalePD (@ScottsdalePD) February 15, 2024
“Charges ranged from child sex trafficking, prostitution, pandering, luring a minor for sexual exploitation, attempted sexual conduct with a minor, possession of narcotic drugs, possession of dangerous drugs and felony flight,” they said.
The police emphasized the importance of addressing child sex trafficking and online safety for children, urging parents to monitor their online activities closely.
“We try to focus a lot of that on child sex trafficking, and sex buyers is the big target,” Scottsdale Police Sgt. Andrew Parrott said.
“Obviously, there is just a demand, and you can see that when we put these numbers out,” Parrott said.
“If you are going to come to Arizona to do it, we are going to hold you responsible and do everything to stop it,” he said.
“We had some cases involving pandering, and then we did have adult sex buyers that we were involved with as well,” Parrott said.
“More people that are demanding this type of thing, that’s what draws more trafficking,” he said.
“The biggest thing is communication with your kids. Who are they talking to online? Who are they playing their games with? What apps are they using?” he said.
“The phones and the online gaming is really where these kids can get targeted,” Parrott added.
“You need to know who you’re talking to, who you’re trusting and what you’re putting out online because there is a chance that can get disclosed or leaked somehow,” he said.
Most Popular:
Explosive Testimony Released From Hunter Biden’s Business Partner
Democrat Slams Lack of Respect For ‘Black National Anthem’
