Almost 1,700 people have been arrested after a two-month investigation targeting suspected child predators, according to the Justice Department.
The announcement covers the nationwide investigation conducted by state, local and federal law enforcement agencies around the United States.
Over 300 people have been suspected of committing sexual abuse involving children or producing child pornography, according to prosecutors.
61 Internet Crimes Against Children task forces in all 50 states and over 4,500 federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement agencies led the crackdown called ‘Broken Heart’ from April to May.
They investigated almost 19,000 complaints of crimes against children, said officials. Over 2,150 presentations on internet safety were given to over 200,000 adults and youths.
Attorney General William Barr said: “The sexual abuse of children is repugnant, and it victimizes the most innocent and vulnerable of all.
“We must bring the full force of the law against sexual predators, and with the help of our Internet Crimes Against Children program, we will.
“Over the span of just two months, our ICAC task forces investigated more than 18,000 complaints of internet-related abuse and helped arrest 1,700 alleged abusers. We are committed to bringing the defendants in these cases to justice and protecting every American child.”
The crackdown targeted those who possessed or produced child pornography, who engaged in sex trafficking, traveled to other countries or states to abuse children, and tried to entice children online for carnal desires.
Since the ICAC Program started, nearly 1 million complaints have been investigated leading to arrests of more than 95,000 suspects.
Over 700,000 law enforcement officers and professionals have been trained in strategies to prosecute and investigate such cases.
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