According to the FBI, more than 100 children were rescued and nearly 250 people apprehended during a child exploitation sting.
In April, more than 70 law enforcement agencies in Texas collaborated with the FBI on Operation Soteria Shield.
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Investigators identified victims and apprehended those involved in the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse materials.
In total, 109 children were saved, and 244 criminals were arrested. Investigators collected large amounts of digital evidence, including terabytes of unlawful data kept on electronic devices used to commit these crimes. These devices are being forensically examined, which could lead to more arrests and the identification of additional victims.
“Operation Soteria Shield brought together over 70 agencies from across the state of Texas, including police departments, federal agencies, state and federal prosecutors, children’s advocacy centers, and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. We had a common goal, which was to rescue children from abuse and exploitation,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “This was not an easy operation, but a necessary one. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to protect the children in our communities, and we will hold child predators accountable for their crimes.”
According to Dallas Police Chief Daniel C. Comeaux, Operation Soteria Shield serves as a compelling reminder of what we can do together.
According to Plano Police Chief Ed Drain, “Online exploitation of children is one of the most insidious crimes we face as a society.”
“It reaches into every community, crosses every boundary, and leaves lasting harm on its youngest victims,” he said.
Analysts with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children also provided “vital intelligence and case coordination” that helped the operation.
