158 people were arrested during a 12-day multi-agency operation targeting Human Trafficking in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Scottsdale Police Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit (HEAT) led the operation between January 23 and February 10.
The operation aimed to combat human trafficking by targeting sex buyers, child predators, and individuals involved in the sex trade and trafficking. As stated by the Scottsdale Police, the operations were conducted using decoys, ensuring that no children were directly involved.
A variety of law enforcement agencies collaborated in this effort, including Scottsdale Police, Phoenix Police, Goodyear Police, Avondale Police, Mesa Police, Buckeye Police, Surprise Police, and Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. The charges against the arrested individuals were diverse, ranging from child sex trafficking and prostitution to drug-related offenses and felony flight.
In total, there were 158 arrests made, consisting of 37 felonies and 121 misdemeanors. This concerted effort by multiple agencies underscores the commitment to combating human exploitation and trafficking in the region.
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