Detectives pose as minors in SLO County child sex sting that nets 7 arrests
.jpg "Siren")
Seven people were arrested on suspicion of various child sex abuse charges during an undercover sting operation in San Luis Obispo County.
The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney and Sheriff’s offices worked with the California Office of the Attorney General over the span of three days to conduct the operation, the DA’s Office said in a news release.
“I am grateful to the California Department of Justice for their outstanding partnership with our local agencies in apprehending these seven individuals who attempted to prey on vulnerable children in our county,” District Attorney Dan Dow said in the release.
From May 15-17, undercover agents and detectives posed as minors on social media platforms and websites commonly used by predators. The operation targeted adults seeking to exploit child victims of sex trafficking.
“This operation reminds us yet again we must remain vigilant against those who would do harm to our most precious and vulnerable resource, our children,” Sheriff Ian Parkinson said in the release.
The seven suspects face felony charges, including contact of a minor with the intent of sex, attempted lewd act with a child and sending harmful content with the intent to seduce a minor. They were booked into San Luis Obispo County Jail, the release said, and the District Attorney’s Office will prosecute them.
“Let me be absolutely clear: Using the internet to target children for sex is a reprehensible and despicable crime,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in the release. “If you go after our children, we will hold you accountable.”
The District Attorney’s Office asks anyone who is or knows someone who is being forced to engage in any activity and cannot leave to call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
