A sweeping operation by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office’s Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, assisted by numerous other law enforcement agencies, resulted in the rescue of dozens of missing children aged 14 to 17 from Southern California and neighboring states, officials announced.
According to the sheriff’s office, between 5,000 and 6,000 children run away or go missing in Riverside County each year, with the vast majority returning home shortly after leaving.
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During Operation Safe Return, investigators found 50 children who had been missing for one to 24 months and conducted thorough investigations into their locations.
“When determining a child’s possible location, a multi-disciplinary team consisting of law enforcement and social services responded to the area for his/her recovery, which included locations in Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Orange County and Los Angeles County,” officials said in a news release.
According to officials, several of the 37 rescued children were from Northern California, Nevada, and Arizona.
“Unfortunately, some of these children were identified as victims of various crimes, ranging from child sex trafficking to sexual assault,” the release stated. “The operation resulted in seven arrests, including one federal arrest for child sex trafficking being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations.”
Each of the children received victim advocacy services, medical support where needed, and follow-up resources before they were reunited with a legal guardian.
While the operation lasted from March 2 to 6, 13 cases remained open, with officials stating that the identity of those arrested would be kept hidden throughout the ongoing investigations.
“Through the coordinated efforts of the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, the United States Marshals Service, and numerous allied agencies, dozens of children were safely recovered and connected with critical support services,” the release stated. “RCAHT remains committed to aggressively pursuing those who exploit children while working with our partners to ensure victims receive the care and protection they deserve.”
