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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
244 arrested, 109 kids rescued in Texas' Operation Soteria Shield child exploitation sting
Local FBI task forces in North Texas announced the rescue of over a hundred children, along with nearly 250 arrests, involving online sexual exploitation. The operation, called Operation Soteria Shield, took place throughout April 2025 and used the expertise of computer crimes investigators. In addition to the arrests and rescues, law enforcement "seized extensive volumes of digital evidence, including terabytes of illicit data stored on electronic devices that were used in the commission of these crimes," according to the FBI's press release. As the devices continue to undergo forensic analysis, more arrests may be made and more victimized children may be identified. Around 70 law enforcement agencies assisted in the operation, including: North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force North Texas Child Exploitation Task Force, FBI Dallas Division National Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Dallas, Plano, Wylie and Garland police departments A total of 244 individuals have been charged with exploiting children for the purpose of sex trafficking or pornography. The operation also led to the rescue of 109 children. "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," FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock said. "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." Rothrock also noted that threats to child safety have "moved past" the concerns of generations like his, in which children were cautioned against "faceless strangers that might try to contact us or cause harm on the street." Instead, predators now have access to victims through technology. "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," Plano Police Chief Ed 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. Our work is far from over, but this effort has made our communities safer and brought hope to those who need it most." Dallas Police Chief Daniel C. Comeaux called the operation "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." The collaboration of agencies involved in the operation began 10 years ago, according to CBS News. Authorities say sex offenders never actually meet their victims face-to-face. Instead, they pressure children to send explicit photos and videos. In addition to social media, predators use online gaming systems to contact their victims. Authorities emphasize the importance of children's internet safety. The U.S. Department of Justice provides several resources and tips for kids and parents on staying safe in online spaces. The FBI has also created the Safe Online Surfing (SOS) Internet Challenge, a free educational program designed for students in grades 3 through 8. It teaches kids about cyber safety and includes topics like cyberbullying, passwords, malware and social media. SOS is available in English and Spanish. Reports of online child sexual exploitation can be submitted by calling 911 or visiting — CBS News contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Operation Soteria Shield: Texas FBI arrests 244 for child exploitation
Epoch Times
2 days ago
- Epoch Times
FBI: Hundreds of Alleged Child Predators Arrested in Texas
A month-long investigation snared 244 alleged online child-sex predators, the FBI and other agencies announced at a June 10 news conference in Dallas. 'We're taking them off the street and not stopping,' FBI Director Kash Patel wrote in a social media The FBI Dallas office's special agent in charge, R. Joseph Rothrock, This marks the second month in a row that the FBI has announced large-scale arrests of alleged online predators. Such cases are being considered high priority for President Donald Trump's Justice Department, The Texas-based investigation, dubbed Operation Soteria Shield, 'rescued 109 children' and gathered 'terabytes of illicit data,' the FBI said, adding that electronic devices are being further analyzed. The new evidence could lead to additional arrests or identifying victims. Officials did not disclose details of the charges. However, at the news conference, they displayed names and photographs of the defendants. Silhouettes served as placeholders for 22 suspects for whom photographs were unavailable; some were juveniles and at least one remained unnamed pending arrest. The effort demonstrates the agency's commitment 'to relentlessly pursue those who prey on children and to ensure that survivors are no longer silenced or hiding in the shadows,' FBI Dallas said. It welcomed remarks from Texas police chiefs whose departments participated in the operation. Dallas Police Chief Daniel C. Comeaux said the operation, which began in April, marshaled 'a massive team effort.' His department serves as the lead agency for the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Wylie Police Chief Anthony Henderson said: 'The trauma inflicted by these crimes runs deep, affecting not only the victims, but also their families and entire communities.' 'With every arrest made and every child protected, the operation moves us closer to a safer community,' Henderson said.
