An multi-week investigation into crimes against children in Southern California led to more than 340 arrests, authorities announced Thursday.
Operation Firewall involved 112 law enforcement agencies, including the LAPD, across five counties.
The crackdown targeting online child predators was conducted during the weeks of April 19 through May 3. Dozens of children were identified as victims of abuse and 341 people were arrested, according to authorities.
Federal authorities, sheriff’s department and police departments across the region pursued tips that led to the arrests. In some cases, undercover officers entered online chat rooms and posed as teen girls as young as 13.
Some of the rescued children were returned to families, but others were targeted by people known to the children and in positions of trust. Those victims will be connected with child abuse support resources, authorities said.
Arrests were made for crimes that included production, possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material; lewd acts with a child; contact and attempting to contact and meet a minor for lewd purposes; human trafficking; failure to register as a convicted sex offender and other crimes.
“Parents and caregivers play a vital role in protecting young people by staying informed about online risks, actively monitoring their children’s internet use, and maintaining open, ongoing conversations about online safety,” the LAPD said in a news release about the operation. “Through awareness, guidance, and communication, families can better navigate and guard against the threat of online predators.”
Authorities encouraged parents to review these safety tips to protect children from online predators. Suspected child sexual abuse content can be reported here.
