21 arrested in child sex trafficking operation led by Surprise PD, supported by HSI Phoenix

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Yesterday, results of a multi-agency operation involving Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and led by the Surprise Police Department, was announced highlighting the results of a child sex trafficking takedown.

The Surprise Police Department Criminal Investigations Division also partnered with the Scottsdale, Glendale, Goodyear and the Peoria Police Department, in addition to the United States Marshals Service and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for operation “Back to Skool.” This was a valley-wide undercover operation targeting the demand for child sex crimes and human trafficking, which netted 21 arrests. Throughout the operational period, undercover detectives placed ads on websites commonly sought out by suspects seeking illegal sex acts. Operations of this type are a part of the law enforcement’s continuous effort to reduce the demand that fuels child sex trafficking and exploitation of children in our community. Read More