Bay Area pimps arrested in underage human-trafficking sting
Authorities recovered two victims, including a 17-year-old, during Operation Cross Country XI
SAN FRANCISCO — An annual effort to recover victims of child prostitution and draw attention to the problem of sex trafficking culminated in the arrests of four pimps and the rescue of two victims in the Bay Area, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children announced Wednesday.
Between Oct. 12 and Sunday, authorities across the United States arrested 120 suspects and recovered 84 victims as part of Operation Cross Country, now in its 11th year.
Today, predators can reach vulnerable children through phones, social media, gaming platforms, and the internet, often before families realize something is wrong. Finding Kids responds through three core programs: Recover. Care. Target. We help locate missing and exploited children, support families during and after recovery, and work with law enforcement to identify and disrupt those who exploit youth. Our work continues after a child is found because recovery is only the beginning. By combining investigations, aftercare, and prevention, we help children return safely to their homes, schools, and communities while building a future where every vulnerable child receives help before crisis becomes exploitation. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and 100% of your tax-deductible donation goes directly towards keeping kids safe. We cannot do this work without your support.
*Names has been changed to protect the victim’s identity.