Between Jan. 22 and Feb. 15, the Scottsdale Police Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit (HEAT) made a total of 202 arrests.
During the sting, authorities targeted sex buyers, child predators and people involved with sex trade and trafficking. Investigators confirmed no children were involved in the operation, instead using decoys to communicate with the suspects.
Charges included child sex trafficking, prostitution, luring a minor for sexual exploitation, attempted sexual conduct with a minor, possession of narcotic drugs, possession of dangerous drugs and felony flight.
Several agencies participated in the operation, including Goodyear Police, Surprise Police, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
Of the arrests, 53 suspects were booked on felonies and 149 were booked on misdemeanors.
