109 Kids Saved, 244 Suspects Nabbed In Texas' ‘Operation Soteria Shield'

Yahoo

11-06-2025

A month-long statewide law enforcement operation in Texas targeting online child exploitation resulted in the rescue of 109 children and the arrest of 244 suspects, authorities announced.
Named Operation Soteria Shield, the effort was conducted in April 2025 and involved more than 70 Texas law enforcement agencies, led by the FBI Dallas Division, the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Texas.
The operation, supported by the National ICAC Task Force, focused on identifying and apprehending individuals involved in the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material. Participating agencies, including the Dallas, Plano, Wylie, and Garland police departments, seized terabytes of illicit digital content stored on electronic devices, which are now undergoing forensic analysis. Authorities said additional arrests and victim identifications are possible.
'The numbers of offenders arrested and children rescued in this operation are significant,' said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay Combs. 'We remain committed to investigating and prosecuting these crimes to protect children from online sexual exploitation.'
The effort has already led to multiple grand jury indictments in the Eastern District of Texas for charges related to child pornography distribution and sexual exploitation of minors. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children provided critical intelligence and case coordination, contributing to the operation's success.
'Operation Soteria Shield brought together over 70 agencies from across the state of Texas, including police departments, federal agencies, state and federal prosecutors, children's advocacy centers, and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. We had a common goal, which was to rescue children from abuse and exploitation,' said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock.
'This was not an easy operation, but a necessary one. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to protect the children in our communities, and we will hold child predators accountable for their crimes,' he added.
Detective Rich, a key investigator from the Plano Police Department and member of the FBI Dallas Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, played a central role. Known nationally and internationally for his work on computer-facilitated crimes against children, Rich helped coordinate the efforts of skilled investigators working around the clock.
'Operation Soteria Shield was a massive team effort and a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we unite around one clear mission: protecting our kids and holding offenders accountable,' said Dallas Police Chief Daniel C. Comeaux. 'I am proud that the Dallas Police Department is the lead agency for the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and am grateful for the many, many agencies who contributed to this successful operation.'
Plano Police Chief Ed Drain emphasized the operation's broader impact.
'Online exploitation of children is one of the most insidious crimes we face as a society. It reaches into every community, crosses every boundary, and leaves lasting harm on its youngest victims,' Drain said. 'Through this operation, we not only rescued children from unimaginable abuse, but we also sent a clear message: those who seek to harm our children online will be found and brought to justice.'
Wylie Police Chief Anthony Henderson highlighted the operation's resolve.
'The coordinated efforts of all agencies involved in Operation Soteria Shield serve as a powerful demonstration of unwavering dedication in the battle against online child exploitation,' Henderson said. 'By exposing the darkest corners of the Internet, this operation has targeted predators who seek to harm vulnerable children.'
Garland Police Chief Jeff Bryan underscored the mission's significance.
'Operation Soteria Shield was more than an enforcement effort; it was a mission to rescue, protect, and restore hope,' Bryan said. 'The scale of this operation sends a strong message: predators will be pursued, and survivors will never stand alone.'
Operation Soteria Shield stands as one of the largest efforts of its kind in Texas in recent years, showcasing the power of interagency collaboration. Participating agencies included the Abilene, Allen, Arlington, Fort Worth, Frisco, McKinney, and San Antonio police departments, among others, as well as the Collin, Denton, and Tarrant county sheriff's offices, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and federal agencies like Homeland Security Investigations.
Authorities expressed gratitude to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children for its vital support. The operation's success reflects a shared commitment to protecting children and ensuring justice for survivors of online exploitation.