Child human trafficking arrests in Yuma
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Yuma Police Department (YPD) announced Operation Teardrop Monday, which was an operation to catch child predators.
YPD said the operation was conducted between Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1, and said they had help from multiple agencies.
During the operation, YPD said five people "made attempts to meet with minors at multiple locations within the City of Yuma," but they were instead met with YPD and were subsequently arrested.
YPD said the suspects, with ages ranging from 24 to 60, were each charged with luring a minor for sexual exploitation, child sex trafficking and furnishing harmful items to a minor.
During a press conference Monday, YPD Chief Thomas Garrity pleaded with parents to staying engaged in their child's online life.
"Know the apps they use, know who they are talking to and have regular conversations about online safety. If you see something suspicious, say something. Report it to law enforcement. Protecting children is a shared responsibility," Chief Garrity expressed.
Amberly’s Place call the operation a step in the right direction to protect the youth in the area.
“This weekend‘s operation is really significant in our community because in these cases, law-enforcement prevented children from becoming victims, which made our work at Amberly‘s Place just a few less this weekend and we’re grateful for that," Tori Bourguignon, executive director of Amberly's Place.
Police say over 120 people initiated contact with people they thought were underage looking for sexual favors.
The following agencies who helped YPD in the operation were Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshal Service, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Air and Marine, Goodyear and Peoria Police Departments, the Department of Public Safety and the E3 Ranch Foundation.
If anyone has information regarding the case, call YPD at 928-373-4700, or 78-CRIME at 928-782-7463 to remain anonymous.
