VISALIA, California — In a concerted effort to combat underage sex trafficking, law enforcement agencies in Visalia, California, have announced the arrest of 12 individuals, following a multi-agency operation, on February 21, 2024. The Visalia Police Department disclosed the outcome of the operation, which targeted alleged sexual predators exploiting minors through online platforms.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta revealed the findings of the operation conducted between February 13 and February 16, aimed at apprehending individuals using the Internet to solicit minors for sexual activities. The operation resulted in the arrest and charging of 12 suspects accused of contacting minors for sexual purposes.
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Visalia Police Captain Andy Swarthout emphasized the significance of such operations in reducing the prevalence of online child predators and combating the exploitation of children within communities. “Through these partnerships, our collective focus is on our shared mission to eradicate child exploitation,” Captain Swarthout stated, underlining the collaborative effort involved in addressing such crimes.
The operation involved cooperation among various agencies, including the Fresno Human Trafficking Sexual Predator Apprehension (HIT-SPAT), the Visalia Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. This collaborative approach underscores the commitment of multiple law enforcement entities to safeguarding vulnerable populations and ensuring the safety of children in the community.
