During the past week, the FBI, its local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) conducted Operation Cross Country VIII, a week-long enforcement action to address commercial child sex trafficking throughout the United States.
According to an FBI spokesperson, the operation included enforcement actions in 106 cities nationwide and several places near Berkeley County, resulting in 168 recoveries of children who were being victimized through prostitution. Additionally, 281 pimps were arrested on state and federal charges.
“Targeting and harming America’s children through commercial sex trafficking is a heinous crime, with serious consequences.†said FBI Director James B. Comey. “Every child deserves to be safe and sound. Through targeted measures like Operation Cross Country, we can end the cycle of victimization.â€
Back in January, Berkeley Co. Sheriff Wayne DeWitt appeared on The Bryan Crabtree Show where he explained that, fortunately, human trafficking was not a problem in the area. However, law enforcement officials say the problem does exist in the Palmetto State.
“Human traffickers do not respect state lines or national borders. That’s why law enforcement at every level must be vigilant and work cooperatively to bring to justice to those who profit from the misery of others.†said Chief Mark Keel, SLED.
In Columbia and North Charleston—both just a short drive from Berkeley County, FBI officials confirmed that law enforcement recently recovered one child and arrested two pimps.
“There is no place for child prostitution, and its companion crime of human trafficking, in our state. Everyone in South Carolina needs to be aware that this illegal activity is real, and it could be happening in your community. State and federal authorities are delivering a powerful message with these arrests: if you are committing these crimes, we are coming for you.†said S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson.
According to the FBI, task force operations usually begin as local enforcement actions that target truck stops, casinos, street “tracks,†and websites that advertise dating or escort services, based on intelligence gathered by officers working in their respective jurisdictions. Initial arrests are often violations of local and state laws relating to prostitution or solicitation. Information gleaned from those arrested frequently uncovers organized efforts to prostitute women and children across many states. FBI agents further develop this evidence in partnership with U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section so that prosecutors can help bring federal charges in those cities where child prostitution occurs.
Anyone with information on child prostitution should contact 1-800-THE-LOST or go to www.missingkids.com.
Prior Story:
S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson to human traffickers: “we’re coming for youâ€
Local woman travels to Nepal to stop child trafficking
- ‘Light The Way For Hope’ Ceremony To Remember Those Lost To Overdose - August 22, 2024
- Berkeley County Opening Emergency Shelters Ahead of Debby - August 5, 2024
- Nearly Century-Old St. Stephen School To Be Torn Down - March 20, 2024
Recent Comments