Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Sacramento Sheriff Jim Cooper announced the arrests of 24 suspects as part of a three-day multiagency operation targeting child predators. Operation “Spring Cleaning” utilized undercover agents and detectives posing as minors on social media platforms to apprehend adults seeking to exploit children and victims of sex trafficking.

Attorney General Bonta emphasized, “Our determination to fight sexual exploitation and human trafficking remains unwavering because even one person being exploited is unacceptable.” He further stated, “In California, we have zero tolerance for the sexual exploitation of children and human trafficking.” The operation involved the Human Trafficking and Sexual Predator Apprehension Team (HT/SPAT) partnering with 21 law enforcement agencies and a total of 90 officers.

The suspects arrested are facing felony charges such as attempting to contact a minor with the intent of sex, attempting lewd acts with a child under 14, and trying to produce child pornography. Following the arrests, eleven vehicles were towed, and eight residential search warrants were executed.

Various law enforcement agencies collaborated in the operation, including the California Department of Justice, Sacramento Sheriff's Office, and several other local and federal agencies. The joint effort aimed to combat the sexual exploitation of children and human trafficking.

In response to the operation, Attorney General Bonta expressed his gratitude to all partners involved, stating, “Together, we can forge a safer future for all vulnerable individuals who rightfully deserve protection, freedom, and justice.”

For those in need of help or assistance related to human trafficking, the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 can be contacted. In cases of immediate danger, individuals are urged to call 9-1-1. Additional information and resources for survivors of human trafficking are available through provided links.

A video documenting the details of the operation, produced by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, is accessible for further information.