“Sexual predators may be under the impression that targeting children online affords them secrecy and protection, but these type of operations prove differently.  Law enforcement constantly works to protect our children from this type of harm and we appreciate the effort.”

– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SACRAMENTO – On February 21, 2024, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the results of a human trafficking operation, targeting sexual predators using the Internet to seek out potential victims.

Over the course of the four-day operation on February 13-16th, 12 suspects were arrested and charged with contacting a minor for sexual purposes. The Fresno Human Trafficking Sexual Predator Apprehension (HT-SPAT), the Visalia Police Department (VPD), the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) joined forces in the multi-jurisdictional operation.

“The exploitation of children is not something my office will tolerate,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “The National Center of Missing and Exploited Children and the FBI estimate there are 500,000 online predators active each and every day. These numbers are a stark reminder to us all of the work that needs to still be done – and reaffirm my office’s commitment to work every day to provide human trafficking victims service, and to apprehend and arrest their traffickers. I would like to thank the efforts of our partners who helped conduct this operation. When we work together, we get results.” 

Agents and officers used undercover identities to pose as minors online. As agents were solicited by adults for the purpose of committing sexual acts, the suspects were directed to an area where they were arrested. All suspects were booked into the Tulare County Jail and charged with Penal Code Section 288.3 – contacting a minor for sexual purposes and Penal Code Section 288.4 – meeting with a minor for sexual purposes.