CLEVELAND — FBI field offices around the country conducted a five-day operation last week “to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators,” netting 205 nationwide arrests,

What You Need To Know

  • The FBI netted 205 arrests nationwide as part of an operation targeting child sex predators

  • The Cleveland field office arrested 11 people, and the Cincinnati field office provided information on four arrests

  • They ask the public to remain vigilant

The FBI office in Cleveland arrested 11 people, and the FBI office in Cincinnati included information on four local arrests.

Nationwide, according to an FBI press release, they rescued 115 children during this operation.

“Preying on children, the most vulnerable members of our community, is appalling. These arrests highlight the importance of strong partnerships and unwavering collaboration with members of our federal, state, and local agencies,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen in the release. “The FBI and our partners are fully committed to protecting children from abuse while ensuring those who exploit or harm them are identified and investigated, and their networks of nefarious activity are dismantled.” 

FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola said crimes against children won’t be tolerated.

“The FBI will always protect the vulnerable, especially the children in our community,” Iatarola said in the release. “We will continue to prioritize these investigations and support our partners in pursuing predators and delivering justice.”

Those arrested during the nationwide operation included teachers, military members and law enforcement, people the FBI said are in positions of public trust.

“Others are your neighbors, proving criminal activity can be found even in the most familiar places,” the release reads. “They’re accused of various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking.”

The FBI highlights the following resources for more information on how they keep kids safe:

They continue to ask the public to stay vigilant, reporting any suspected crimes against a minor to 911 and the FBI, reachable at 1-800-225-5324. You can also contact your local FBI field office or go online to tips.fbi.gov.