“These types of operations are helpful in protecting our children sexual predators and from harm they may not completely comprehend. These operations are a proactive step and should put predators on alert that law enforcement is actively searching for those who are intent on sexually exploiting minors.”
– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
KINGS COUNTY– On September 16, 2025, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the results of Operation Freedom, a joint undercover operation seeking to combat human trafficking by targeting those seeking to sexually exploit minors.
Special Agents from the California Department of Justice, Human Trafficking/Sexual Predator Apprehension Team (HT/SPAT) Fresno Regional Office, in coordination with local law enforcement partners, assisted the Kings County Sheriff’s Office on the operation which took place between September 5 and September 7, 2025.
Over the course of the sting operation, five suspects were arrested and booked into the Kings County jail for violating Penal Code 288.3 – arranging a meeting with a minor for the purpose of sex, and Penal Code 288.4 – meeting with a minor for the purpose of sexual relations. Two individuals were also contacted and provided with support services.
“Child sexual exploitation is a terrible crime, and it has no place in California,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Through Operation Freedom, we’re fighting to hold perpetrators accountable and make our communities safer for California families. Our message is simple: If you target our kids, we will bring you to justice. I’m grateful to Kings County Sheriff’s Office, and all our law enforcement partners for their collaboration. When we work together, we get results. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to work to protect survivors and combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation wherever they occur.”
As part of the operation, law enforcement personnel posed online as minors to identify, contact, and arrest anyone who may be trying to target children for sex. Agents were contacted by five suspects who, after learning of the purported minors’ ages, arranged to meet at specific locations within Kings County. In these encounters, suspects used sexually explicit language and sent graphic photos to undercover personnel. Once the suspects arrived at the agreed location, they were taken into custody and booked into the Kings County Jail on the on charges of arranging a meeting with a minor for the purpose of sex, and meeting with a minor for the purpose of sexual relations. The cases will be prosecuted by the Kings County District Attorney’s Office.
The operation was a successful collaboration where the California Department of Justice, Human Trafficking / Sexual Predator Apprehension Team worked with the lead agency, Kings County Sheriff’s Office, and other law enforcement partners, including Kings County District Attorney’s Office, Avenal Police Department, Hanford Police Department, Lemoore Police Department, Kings County Probation, and Internet Crimes Against Children.
