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Documented on the original SlaveryMap (2008–2016). We don’t have a verifiable source on file yet. Know one?
What happened
The FBI and local law enforcement agents orchestrated a nationwide sting. Undercover cops posed as Jons and arrested prostitutes soliciting sex at bars/nightclubs, casinos, truck stops, and Internet sites such as Craig’s list. The sting operations were used to determine whether or not the girls were less than 18 years of age. If so, they were taken into custody and treated as a trafficking victim. Those arrested could face federal or state charges based on their allegations but they are still awaiting trial.
Response and intervention
Arrests were made based on similar intelligence found in Operation Cross Country I. To mark the fifth anniversary of the Innocence Lost National Initiative, the FBI Crimes Against Children Unit coordinated a national sting entitled Operation Cross Country to combat domestic sex trafficking in children. Victims: 49 Children (48 females, 1 male) were taken into custody. The children were most likely run away or street kids that were lured in with promises of food, shelter, and drugs and then were beaten, starved or otherwise abused until they agreed to work the streets.