California police arrest 474, rescue 28 sexually exploited children during statewide human trafficking sting
Daily News
California law enforcement officials on Tuesday announced they arrested hundreds of people and rescued dozens of sexually exploited children and adults during a statewide sting operation taking aim at human trafficking.
In total, 474 arrests were made — including 142 men hit with solicitation charges and 36 men on suspicion of pimping — during the three-day operation conducted by 30 different law enforcement agencies across the state, according to a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department news release.
Additionally, 28 commercially and sexually exploited children and 27 adult victims were saved by the sting, authorities said.
“You are worthy of more. And we will work tirelessly with our partners … to provide you services and help you rebuild your life,” Sheriff Jim McDonnell vowed to victims during a news conference.
6 child sex-trafficking victims rescued, 2 arrested in Colo.
The operation, called “Reclaim and Rebuild,” sought to not only identify and arrest those involved in human trafficking, but also targeted the customers with hope of cutting down on future incidents.
California police arrested 474 people connected to the sexual exploitation of 28 children as part of a statewide sting operation called “Operation Reclaim and Rebuild”.
(LA COUNTY SHERIFF)
“Police agencies and other trafficking task forces throughout our state joined in the enforcement operation to send the clear message that California law enforcement shares a unified mandate: Human trafficking must not be tolerated in our state,” the press release reads.
The children rescued during the operation were being cared for by family service agencies across California.
The Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking, as well as the Saving Innocence Organization, were also organizing efforts to assist victims, KTLA reported.