A month-long law enforcement operation in Texas to combat online child exploitation resulted in the rescue of 109 children and the arrest of 244, according to the Dallas FBI office.
According to a release, Operation Soteria Shield took place in April. It was designed to protect children from online sexual exploitation and bring offenders to justice. The North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the FBI The results were announced last week by Dallas’s North Texas Child Exploitation Task Force.
More than 70 law enforcement agencies from across the state have joined forces to combat child exploitation in the digital space.
“These agencies relied on the expertise of highly skilled computer crime investigators who worked around the clock to identify victims and apprehend offenders involved in the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material,” the FBI stated.
In addition to the rescues and arrests, investigators seized significant amounts of digital evidence, including terabytes of illicit data stored on electronic devices. The devices are being analyzed, which could lead to more arrests and the identification of additional victims.
“Operation Soteria Shield brought together over 70 agencies from across Texas, including police departments, federal agencies, state and federal prosecutors, children’s advocacy organizations, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.” “We shared a common goal: to save children from abuse and exploitation,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The operation was not easy, but it was necessary. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to protect children in our communities, and child predators will be held accountable for their actions.”
“Operation Soteria Shield was a massive team effort and a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together toward a common goal: protecting our children and holding perpetrators accountable. I am proud that the Dallas Police Department is the lead agency for the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and I am grateful to the numerous agencies that helped make this operation a success,” said Dallas Police Chief Daniel C. Comeaux.
“Online exploitation of children is one of the most heinous crimes we face as a society. It infiltrates every community, crosses all boundaries, and causes long-term harm to its youngest victims. Operation Soteria Shield brought together unprecedented levels of collaboration and determination to face the crisis head on. This operation not only saved children from unspeakable abuse, but it also sent a clear message: those who seek to harm our children online will be apprehended and prosecuted. Our work is far from finished, but it has made our communities safer and given hope to those who need it the most. said Plano Police Chief Ed Drain.
“The coordinated efforts of all agencies involved in Operation Soteria Shield demonstrate a strong commitment to combating online child exploitation. “This operation has targeted predators who seek to harm vulnerable children by exposing the darkest corners of the Internet,” Wylie Police Chief Anthony Henderson stated. “
The trauma caused by these crimes is profound, affecting not only the victims, but also their families and entire communities. With each arrest and every child protected, the operation brings us closer to a safer community. Every step forward in this operation demonstrates a shared commitment to protecting the most vulnerable and bringing those who exploit children to justice.”
“The Garland Police Department is proud to join our local, state, and federal partners in the fight against those who exploit our most vulnerable citizens, our children. Garland Police Chief Jeff Bryan stated that Operation Soteria Shield was more than just a law enforcement operation; it was a mission to rescue, protect, and restore hope. “
The scope of this operation sends a clear message: predators will be pursued, and survivors will never be alone. We are grateful to the FBI, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), and all other agencies involved for their tireless efforts. This operation demonstrates our shared commitment to ensuring the safety of all children in every community.
Reference: 109 children rescued, 244 arrested in Texas child exploitation operation