SPRINGDALE, Ark. — In a new release from Arkansas State Police (ASP), the agency reports that it has ramped up efforts to stop sexual predators and has made 42 child sex crime arrests in a three-month period.
The arrests are part of Operation Cyber Highway Safety Check, which is carried out by the Internet Crimes Against Children Division (ICAC).
The release details that between March 10 and the end of May, the agency made 42 arrests related to child sexual abuse material and failure to comply with registration requirements.
Nine of the arrests were for "hands-on" offenses, ASP said, adding that five children were rescued from ongoing sexual abuse, and 22 children were identified as "new victims."
ASP says that the operation "aimed to increase proactive investigations of cases involving CSAM from the start of spring break until the end of the school year," adding that ICAC receives more tips from electronic service providers and public complaints during spring and summer breaks.
ASP Colonel Mike Hagar says that now that school has come to an end, many children are often left alone and are even more vulnerable during the summer.
“Starting in March, our ICAC Task Force officers stepped up efforts to keep our kids safe by going after individuals trying to exploit them," Hagar said. "Our mission is to investigate, prosecute, and prevent internet crimes against children, and to make Arkansas a safe place for its youngest citizens.”
The operation has been dubbed the "most successful in the task force's history," according to Major Stacie Rhoads, ASP Criminal Investigation Division commander.
"Child predators exploit the innocence and trust of children. Our relentless pursuit of those who prey on children will ensure they are held accountable for their actions," Rhoads said.
The operation included local, county, state, and federal law enforcement.
"Officers executed 178 search warrants and conducted over 1,600 home visits with registered sex offenders. ICAC officers initiated 160 investigations and have submitted 63 cases for prosecution to state and federal courts. Among these, 45 cases have been accepted for grand jury indictments. In two cases that involved child sex trafficking, arrests were made, and ongoing investigations across multiple states are in progress," ASP said.
ASP adds that troopers are distributing informative posters to schools with students 12 and older, aiming to raise awareness about safety risks.
"These posters will contain clear and identifiable signs of sextortion and feature a QR code, allowing students to capture it discreetly with their devices," ASP said. "By doing so, students can access information later, helping reduce the risk of bullying and shaming associated with this issue."
For tools to help parents protect their children against technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and internet crimes, visit aricac.org.
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