WHITEHALL, Wis. (WXOW) — The Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Office arrested one suspect during a two-day undercover operation targeting online child predators on Aug. 3 and 4.
Operation Osseo Traveler, conducted with the Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, focused on identifying individuals who used online platforms to arrange sexual encounters with children. Investigators posed as minors in online conversations, and those who took steps toward meeting a child for sexual purposes were arrested.
“The safety of our children remains one of our highest priorities,” said Sheriff Koxlien. “By working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners, we are able to identify predators, intervene before children are harmed, and send a clear message that those who target children will be investigated and prosecuted.”
The proactive investigations are designed to identify individuals who seek to exploit children before they can victimize an actual child. The Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Office thanked the Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and the Osseo Police Department for their assistance.
It is not known how many suspects were arrested in Oneida County.
Because the investigation is ongoing and criminal cases are pending, the sheriff’s office will not release the identity of the individual arrested or the specific charges at this time. Additional information may be released as it becomes available through the court process.
The Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Office encourages parents and guardians to remain actively involved in their children’s online activities, discuss internet safety and report any suspected child exploitation to local law enforcement or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children CyberTipline.
