10 arrested in East Valley undercover operation targeting online predators

Ten people were arrested as part of a recent undercover child exploitation operation in the East Valley, authorities announced Monday.

The two-day sting targeting predators who lure minors through the internet and social media ran from June 5 to June 6.

The suspects allegedly traveled to Apache Junction believing they were meeting a child for sex, according to the Apache Junction Police Department.

Specific charges filed against child exploitation suspects

Some of the charges for the suspects identified through the multiagency crackdown include:

• Sex trafficking
• Luring a minor for sexual exploitation
• Aggravated luring a minor
• Attempted sexual conduct with a minor
• Misconduct involving weapons

Police said none of the arrestees were from Apache Junction. They were booked into jail in Pinal County with bonds set as high as $350,000.

The arrests were made possible through cooperation with multiple agencies, including the police departments of Chandler, Mesa and Queen Creek.

Other partners were the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security Investigations, Rocky Mountain Information Network, Drug Enforcement Administration, Pinal County Attorney’s Office, Darkhorse Benefits and the Arizona Anti-Human Trafficking Network.

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