Nov 10
10
FBI sex-trafficking sting yields 885 arrests, rescues 69 children
CitizenLink – November 9, 2010
National FBI Sex-Trafficking Sting Yields 885 Arrests, Rescues 69 Children
The FBI conducted its ongoing “Operation Cross Country V” on Nov. 5-7, in 40 cities around the country, as part of its ongoing Innocence Lost National Initiative.
Whether sex-trafficking has become more prevalent or the FBI is better coordinating with state and local law enforcement agencies, one thing is certain: The statistics are more alarming with each passing year.
According to the FBI, this year’s sting helped recover 69 children, who had been forced into prostitution, and arrested nearly 885 persons and 99 pimps. States targeted include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Oregon, Texas and Washington.
Ernie Allen, president of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, said he hopes these statistics will help awaken the nation to this growing problem.
“American children are being marketed and sold for sex in American cities,” Allen said. “These kids are victims. This is 21st century slavery.”