Scottsdale, AZ: Authorities reported that a recent collaborative operation in Scottsdale aimed at combating human trafficking resulted in the apprehension of 158 individuals.
The Scottsdale Police Department conducted a 12-day operation from Jan. 23 to Feb. 10 to apprehend those involved in soliciting sex, exploiting kids, and participating in the sex trade and human trafficking. The operations were carried out using decoys to ensure that no youngsters were implicated.
Police reported 121 misdemeanors and 37 crimes among the arrests. The sting led to accusations such as child sex trafficking, prostitution, pandering, luring a juvenile for sexual exploitation, attempted sexual contact with a minor, possession of narcotic narcotics, and criminal flight.
The operation was spearheaded by the Scottsdale Police Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit (HEAT).
Several agencies collaborated with Scottsdale Police to apprehend the accused predators, such as the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office and the police departments of Phoenix, Goodyear, Avondale, Mesa, Buckeye, and Surprise.