52 Children Rescued in Countrywide Prostitution Crackdown

Federal authorities nabbed nearly 700 people—60 pimps among them—in a three-day nationwide sting operation targeting child prostitution. The sting, dubbed Operation Cross Country, saved 52 children from further sexual exploitation at the hands of adults.  —KA

Los Angeles Times:

Authorities say the youngest victim was 10 years old.

In Southern California, two children were rescued in Riverside, and four adults were arrested, said Laura Eimiller, an FBI spokeswoman. Four suspected customers of child prostitutes were arrested in Orange County.

“It is repugnant that children in these times could be subjected to the great pain, suffering, and indignity of being forced into sexual slavery for someone else’s profit,” Asst. Atty. Gen. Lanny A. Breuer said in a statement. He added that the latest raids show that “the scourge of child prostitution still exists on the streets of our cities.”

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fbi.gov

An FBI agent escorts an adult suspect arrested in October of 2008 during Operation Cross Country II.