SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Dozens of sexual predators are behind bars following an operation that targeted sex traffickers in Scottsdale.
According to the Scottsdale Police Department, 42 people were arrested during the two-day Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit (HEAT) operation.
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"This effort reflects our ongoing commitment to combating exploitation and trafficking in our community and ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals," police said in a news release.
The operation took from July 12-13 and targeted "sex buyers, child predators, and individuals involved with the sex trade and trafficking.'
The names of those arrested have not been released.
"Within the 42 arrests, there were 11 felonies and 31 misdemeanors with charges including child sex trafficking, pandering, prostitution, drug possession, and various other criminal activities," police said.
Goodyear, Avondale and Surprise police departments also participated in the multi-agency sting.
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