DALLAS (KRLD) - An online sting operation coordinated by the Collin County Sheriff's Office has resulted in the arrest of 19 people.
"Operation Athena" targeted individuals suspected of using online chat rooms or social media sites to target children.
"We collaborate to identify these people who go to these on-line chat rooms trying to persuade children to meet with them, and their intention is to sexually assault these children," said Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner.
Of the 19 individuals arrested, 16 are facing child pornography charges while 3 are charged with online solicitation of a minor. Investigators are reviewing the suspects' computers, cell phones and other electronic devices and expect to make more arrests.
This is the fourth on-line sting operation conducted Collin County Sheriff's Office since Sheriff Skinner took office. "I took an oath to protect the citizens of Collin County, and the most vulnerable among us are the kids. If your kids have access to a computer or any type of device that allows them access on-line, parents need to be aggressive. They need to absolutely need to know what their kids are doing and who they are talking to."