More than 140 people, internet predators, arrested by California officials soon after kids return to school
Los Angeles, California – During a recent sting operation timed with the return of children to school, a task force in Southern California with the mission of protecting children from sexual predators online made more than 140 arrests, according to the officials who spoke with the media on Wednesday.
The Los Angeles Police Department is in charge of the task force, which encompasses five counties in Southern California and is responsible for overall coordination.
They went after adults, many of whom were on parole or probation, who may have been attempting to sexually abuse and exploit children via the internet. Among the offenders they went after were those who were on parole or probation.
During the week of September 6-12, a total of 110 people were arrested on various charges, including possession, distribution, and creation of child pornography. In addition to a handful of other allegations, which included sexual abuse of a child, statutory rape, and pimping, there were 18 violations of parole or probation that occurred.
As part of a larger federal initiative managed by the Department of Justice, the Los Angeles Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force has been operating for close to 25 years now.
The task force depends significantly on information provided by members of the public. It received approximately 24,000 recommendations annually on average in 2020 and 2021, but it has already surpassed that number in 2018, and it is on track to receive 36,000 recommendations by the time December rolls around.
On Wednesday, representatives from law enforcement agencies held a news conference at which they offered advice and reminded parents that they should monitor their children’s use of the internet.
According to Captain Jeff Bratcher of the Los Angeles Police Department, “So what can parents do?” “First and foremost, you need to educate and inform yourself. Two, make sure you provide your kid a good education. Monitor your child’s activity on the internet as the third tip.”
