Undercover Child Sex Crimes Sting Results In 37 Arrests: Police

Phoenix AZ

19 February, 2021

5:44 PM

Description

PHOENIX, AZ — Multiple Valley law enforcement agencies joined in an undercover operation resulting in over 30 arrests on child sex crimes and human trafficking charges. The Phoenix Police Department said it partnered with the Mesa Police Department, Tempe Police Department, Chandler Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and the Attorney General's Office for a sting called "Operation Broken Hearts." The undercover operation targeted sexual predators engaged in child sex crimes and human trafficking. Phoenix police spokesperson Sgt. Ann Justus said officers and undercover detectives placed adson websites and apps commonly sought out by people interested in illegal sex acts with children. Approximately 37 people solicited or made plans to carry out various sex acts and were arrested. Those arrested in the first week of February ranged from 21 to 66 years old. Operations of this kind occur annually, the Phoenix police said, in an effort to reduce child sex trafficking in the community.