Texas sheriff, Secret Service announce online predator arrests near SA | #childpredator | #onlinepredator | #sextrafficing

A joint effort between the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Secret Service has resulted in the arrests of 14 suspected online predators this year, officials announced Tuesday, highlighting a growing partnership aimed at combating the online exploitation of children.

Sheriff Javier Salazar said the investigations focused on adults accused of attempting to solicit minors online and underscored the value of collaboration between local and federal law enforcement agencies.

The arrests are the result of a partnership launched earlier this year between the Sheriff’s Office Human Exploitation Unit and the U.S. Secret Service.

While the Human Exploitation Unit has also made about 25 arrests through recent prostitution and solicitation investigations, officials said the joint operation has specifically targeted suspects accused of attempting to exploit children online.

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U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Ray Gibson said the arrests reflect the close coordination between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

“What we are announcing today is a direct result of the close collaboration between federal, local and state law enforcement agencies,” Gibson said. “Through good working relationships, we are able to share information, resources and expertise, which directly leads to arrest and disruption of criminal activity.”

Gibson said the suspects arrested since January are accused of attempting to solicit minors online and described the investigations as an example of how agencies can work together to protect vulnerable children.

Salazar said the investigations follow a model similar to the predator stings popularized on television, with undercover investigators posing as minors online. The difference, he said, is that the goal is not public exposure but building cases that can stand up in court.

In each investigation, Salazar said, the suspects were communicating with undercover investigators rather than actual children. Even so, he said there is little doubt real minors could have been victimized had law enforcement not intervened.

“It could have just as easily been a real child on the receiving end of that abuse,” he said.

Some of those arrested held positions of trust within the community. Several suspects taken into custody during recent investigations worked in roles that brought them into regular contact with children and families, including teachers, first responders and a security guard who worked at schools and churches.

The sheriff said the arrests highlight a troubling reality: Some predators are able to conceal their behavior behind respected professions and trusted community roles.

“A lot of these guys are wolves in sheep’s clothing,” Salazar said. “They’re in a position of authority, in a position of trust, and they’re in a position to gain the trust of a friend or family member.”

Officials stressed that the increase in arrests does not necessarily mean more predators are operating in the community. Instead, Salazar attributed the rise to proactive investigative efforts and the additional resources provided through the partnership with the Secret Service.

“I think the reason that we’re seeing more of these is not necessarily that there’s more of these predators out there,” Salazar said. “It’s just because of the proactive work that we’re doing.”

The Secret Service has a longstanding partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and can assist local agencies with child exploitation investigations. Salazar said the collaboration also gives local investigators access to specialized expertise and intelligence gathered from cases nationwide.

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As summer begins and children spend more time online through social media, gaming platforms and mobile devices, Gibson urged parents to talk with their children about internet safety and closely monitor their online activity.

“This increased online activity can unfortunately bring increased risk,” Gibson said. “That’s why now is a prime opportunity for parents and guardians to have open and ongoing conversations with their children about online safety.”

Salazar echoed that message, warning that predators no longer need to approach children in person to make contact.

“If your child has a cell phone in their pocket, they’ve got any number of child predators in their pocket as well,” Salazar said.

Officials said the partnership between the Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Secret Service is expected to continue as investigators pursue additional child exploitation cases and work to identify, arrest and prosecute suspects accused of targeting children online.