Photo: Getty Images
Over 60 law enforcement agencies in 5 counties participated “Operation Protect the Innocent," targeting the sexual exploitation of children through the internet.
Between September 6-12, 2022 a task force led by the LAPD, targeted suspects in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, that were involved with the possession, distribution and manufacturing of child sexual abuse material, and the sexual exploitation of children through the internet.
The task force received cyber tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In a news conference on Wednesday, LAPD Chief Michel Moore announced, “In 2022, already by Sept. 12, we have exceeded 25,000 tips and leads,” Moore said. “These cyber tip reports we believe will reach in excess of 36,000 by the end of this year.”
Parents and caregivers are urged to send tips to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children HERE, or to CrimeStoppers.org.
In addition to the staggeing number of arrests, the task force also conducted compliance checks on those required to register as sex offenders, “with a nexus to internet crimes,” the LAPD said.
“Multiple residential search warrants were served throughout the five counties, in addition to arrest warrants, which focused on child predators,” police said.
Officials released this information regarding the 141 arrests:
- 110 people were arrested on suspicion of possession, distribution or manufacturing of child pornography;
- 10 people were arrested for alleged parole violation;
- eight people were arrested for alleged probation violation;
- six people were arrested for alleged sexual abuse of child/oral copulation;
- three people were arrested for alleged disorderly conduct;
- two people were arrested for alleged statuary rape; and
- two people were arrested for alleged pimping.