‘Operation Hive Strike': 15 arrested in child exploitation sting in Utah
SALT LAKE CITY () — A four-day operation conducted by the Utah Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force resulted in 15 people being arrested, officials say.
The sting, under the name 'Operation Hive Strike,' ran between April 14 and April 17 and involved over 80 agents from nearly three dozen federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Over the course of the four-day sting, agents posed as minors on various social media platforms.
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The 15 people arrested as a result of Operation Hive Strike are identified only as residents of Davis, Salt Lake, Summit, Utah, and Weber Counties. They are accused of using the internet to find children to meet up with in person for 'sexual activity.'
According to the Office of the Utah Attorney General (OAG), the 15 suspects face felony and misdemeanor charges that include, but are not limited to, sexual exploitation of a minor, dealing in harmful materials to a minor, enticing a minor, aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, aggravated sexual abuse of a child, sodomy on a child, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a stolen firearm.
In a press release, OAG said parents are vital in teaching children how to stay safe online. Parents are encouraged to educate their children about the dangers of speaking to strangers online and to teach them not to put any personal information out on the internet.
The OAG also recommends that concerned parents use software or social media site settings to monitor children's internet activity and have regular conversations with their children about what they do on the internet.
Any possible incidents regarding the sexual exploitation of a minor can be reported at any time through the UTAH ICAC Tip Line by calling 801-281-1211 or emailing .
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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