The FBI, state and local law enforcement announced on Friday, the results of more than 3 months of arrests and interventions into the exploitation of children in Kansas City and the surrounding areas as a part of the FBI’s Summer Heat Initiative.
The results include 24 arrests, that also include 15 conducted in the month of August. Charges for these arrests include electronic solicitation, attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, traveling to engage in illicit sexual conduct, sexual exploitation of a minor, and child sexual abuse material (CSAM) offenses, such as possession, distribution and production of CSAM.
“Today’s announcement reiterates law enforcement’s commitment to protecting our children,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen Cyrus. “We must continue to protect our most vulnerable from harm.”
Agencies involved in the operations include the United States Attorney’s Offices for the District of Kansas and Western District of Missouri, the Johnson County, Kansas District Attorney’s Office, the Overland Park Police Department, the Olathe Police Department, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Topeka Police Department, the Geary County (Kan.) Sheriff’s Office, the Clay Center Police Department, the Clay County (Kan.) Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas City Missouri Police Department, the Missouri State Technical Assistance Team (MSTAT), the Independence (Mo.) Police Department, the Harrison County (Mo.) Prosecutor’s Office, the Boone County (Mo.) Cyber Crimes Task Force, the Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Montgomery County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office, the Tennessee Probation and Parole Fugitive Apprehension Unit, and the Roane County (Tenn.) Sheriff’s Office.