FBI leads massive child prostitution bust
WASHINGTON: A nationwide sting focused on underage prostitution has freed 105 sexually abused youths and netted 150 pimps, the FBI announced on Monday.
Most of the minors rescued during the three-day operation in 76 cities are aged 13 to 16, said Ronald Hosko, assistant director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division.
‘‘Our goal is that child trafficking is openly discussed,’’ Mr Hosko said.
‘‘We are trying to take this crime out of the shadows and put a spotlight on it. . . to put them [the children] out of the cycle.’’
San Francisco agents freed a dozen children and arrested 17 pimps, while the FBI’s Detroit team rescued 10 children and took 18 pimps into custody.
In Atlanta, two youths were recovered, while 17 pimps were detained.
The busts typically began by targeting truck stops, casinos, as well as websites that advertise dating or escort services.
The detained often ended up helping uncover wider networks of prostitution that cross state lines, turning it into a federal crime.
The operation was part of the bureau’s Innocence Lost National Initiative, which, since its launch in 2003, has been involved in the rescue of more than 2,700 sexually exploited children.
One girl freed in an earlier operation, identified only as Alex in an interview posted on the FBI’s website, was 15 when she left a difficult home situation, and 16 when she turned to prostitution.
‘‘At first it was terrifying, and then you just kind of become numb to it,’’ she said of her experience on the streets. ‘‘You put on a whole different attitude — like a different person. It wasn’t me. I know that. Nothing about it was me.’’
She ultimately contacted the FBI, which, with her help, arrested two pimps and rescued several other minors.