PHOENIX – Nine suspects were arrested on various charges in a recent multi-agency sting targeting sex offenders in Arizona, authorities announced Monday.
According to the Tucson Police Department, federal, state and local agencies in the Tucson and Phoenix areas worked together to carry out the operation, which ran from January 31st to February 3rd.
The suspects allegedly arranged online meetings with minors, believed to be between the ages of 7 and 16, for the purpose of having sex. However, it turns out they were talking to an undercover agent.
Police said the men, ranging in age from 25 to 49, were taken into custody without incident after arriving in Tucson for a rally.
The suspects are charged with enticement of a minor for sexual exploitation, aggravated enticement of a minor for sexual exploitation, child sex trafficking, attempted sex with a minor, and enticement of a minor for sexual exploitation. He was booked into the Pima County Jail on various felonies, including solicitation for sexual activity. minor.
Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Chandler, Tempe, and Phoenix police departments are assisting in this operation, along with the Pima County Sheriff's Department, Pima County Attorney's Office, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Arizona Attorney General's Office, Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
of Zero Abuse ProjectNonprofit organizations fighting child sexual abuse also participated.
