DOJ Arrests 2,300 in Online Child Sex Offender Sweep

The U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday the arrest of more than 2,300 suspected online child sex offenders after conducting a three-month national operation.

Sixty-one task forces focused on internet crimes against children in all 50 states identified and investigated the cases from March to May in an effort called “Operation Broken Heart.”

They focused on people who allegedly produce, distribute and possess child pornography, people who lure children online for sexual purposes, those who engage in child sex trafficking and people who cross state or national boundaries to sexually abuse children.

Among the 2,300-plus suspects were 195 people who either produced child pornography or committed sexual abuse against a child, according to DOJ reports.

Investigators also claim they identified 383 child victims of sexual abuse.

Florida is ranked in the top 5 states for peer-to-peer sharing of child pornography along with Washington, Texas, California and New York. Child porn crimes are viewed quite seriously in Florida and the consequences of a conviction are nothing to joke about. Prosecutors work diligently with these undercover task forces to take down anyone they suspect of possessing, distributing or transmitting child porn.

Even if you have done nothing wrong, you can easily be swept up in an online computer sting. Our Florida Internet Sting Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help you protect your rights and work towards clearing your good name. Don’t try to tackle your defense alone. Call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation.