Operation Safe Online Summer (SOS), a multi-agency enforcement effort headed by the Phoenix Police Department and the Arizona Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, targeted child predators and subjects involved in the proliferation of child exploitation material.
This nationwide, month-long, operation resulted in 70 offenders arrested in Arizona and surrounding states. These offenders have all contributed to the exploitation of children in Arizona.
“Our department is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our children and will take appropriate actions to stop predators in our communities,” said Phoenix Police Investigations Division Assistant Chief Ed DeCastro.
The operation began in April 2025 and continued throughout the month; however, the processing of indictments and arrests remains active.
SOS is a continuation of a greater nationwide operation headed by the Department of Justice. This month long, multi-agency investigation was designed to increase the concentration of investigations and arrests of online offenders.
The following statistics highlight the impact of Operation SOS.
- 132 Investigations initiated
- 139 NCMEC CyberTips cleared (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children)
- 243 Search warrants authored
- 72 Total arrests including
- 9 hands-on offenders
- 12 registered sex offenders
- Identification of 25 victims of ongoing exploitation
- 14 newly identified child victims
- Examination of over 1,000 devices
- Over 60 terabytes of data
- 11 community education events held reaching over 350 parents and students
The success of this operation can be attributed to the outstanding work, dedication, and coordination by all of those involved. This operation sets a high standard in achieving success while investigating complex and widespread issue of internet safety involving our children. The volume of cases highlights the pervasive spread of online exploitation.
“Preying on children will not be tolerated and working with our local law enforcement partners to ensure offenders are held accountable and brought to justice is a promise we keep every day,” said FBI Phoenix Assistant Special Agent in Charge Matthew Schaeffer. “The FBI has a broad reach and can bring tremendous assets and resources to bear to find these offenders no matter where they hide.”
All cases will be reviewed and prosecuted by attorneys working closely with investigators.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell believes a united front is needed to identify and stop these predators from attacking our children. Her office has also provided resources for parents to know the warning signs of online grooming so they can better protect their kids.
The Phoenix Police Department would like to thank those partner agencies who made Operation Safe Online Summer a success. These agencies include:
- Police Departments: Phoenix, Gilbert, Goodyear, Scottsdale, Surprise, Sahuarita, Tucson, Tempe, Avondale, Flagstaff, Glendale, Peoria, Chandler, Prescott Valley, Arizona Department of Public Safety.
- Sheriff Offices: Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Pima County Sheriff’s Office, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office
- State and Federal Partners: FBI Phoenix, Arizona Attorney General’s Office, Maricopa County Attorney’s Office
