As children and teens spend more time online during summer break, law enforcement officials are warning families about the increased risks posed by online predators.
SAN ANTONIO — The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office says summer can create opportunities for predators to target young people, as less structured schedules and increased screen time can leave children more vulnerable.
In recent weeks, viewers have seen multiple suspects led away in handcuffs as part of operations conducted by the sheriff’s office Human Exploitation Unit. On Wednesday, officials revealed those efforts are being strengthened through a partnership with the U.S. Secret Service.
“A lot of these guys are wolves in sheep’s clothing,” Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said. “And they capitalize on the fact that they’re in a position of authority, they’re in a position of trust. And they’re in the position to gain the trust of a family member, and again that’s when they strike.”
According to Salazar, the Human Exploitation Unit has made more than two dozen arrests over the past several months targeting suspected child predators and individuals accused of soliciting prostitution.
Officials say collaboration with federal partners has helped investigators identify suspects and stay ahead of evolving tactics used by offenders online.
“This mutually beneficial relationship that we have with U.S. Secret Service has turned out to be fruitful,” Salazar said. “And I have no doubt it will continue to be.”
Brian Gibson, a special agent with the U.S. Secret Service, said the partnership has already led to significant results.
“Since January, our coordinated efforts have resulted in taking more than a dozen suspects off the streets,” Gibson said. “Individuals who are targeting our most vulnerable — our children.”
Salazar described the effort to combat online predators as a constant game of cat and mouse, with criminals frequently changing tactics and technology. He said federal partners provide valuable intelligence from investigations across the country.
“One of the big things the Secret Service is able to bring to the table is that they work in the whole country — they work in the whole world, really,” Salazar said. “So we may see something for the first time and they say, ‘Oh no, that’s been going on in Michigan or Virginia Beach or Florida for a while. Here’s how we caught them.'”
As summer continues, officials are encouraging parents to monitor their children’s online activity, discuss internet safety, and remain alert to potential warning signs of online exploitation.
The sheriff’s office says protecting children remains a top priority and that operations targeting predators will continue.
