A multi-agency law enforcement task force targeting child sexual exploitation resulted in the arrest of 244 suspects and the confiscation of illicit materials two months ago, the Dallas FBI office said Tuesday.
Over 70 state law enforcement agencies, including police in Dallas, Plano, Wylie and Garland, participated in Operation Soteria Shield, an effort conducted in April to identify online child sex exploitation offenders and to prosecute them, according to a news release.
“Operation Soteria Shield was a massive team effort and a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we unite around one clear mission: protecting our kids and holding offenders able,” Dallas Police Chief Daniel C. Comeaux said in the statement.
Federal agents used computer crimes investigators to identify victims and the suspects accused of engaging in the production, distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material, officials said.
According to the FBI, 109 children were rescued as a result of the operation.
Officials said electronic devices used to access and store illicit data was also seized. The confiscated materials could lead to the identification of more victims as well as additional arrests, officials said.