Home Miami Press Releases 2009 Federal and Local Agencies Target Child Prostitution as Part of National Initiative
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Federal and Local Agencies Target Child Prostitution as Part of National Initiative

FBI Miami October 26, 2009
  • Special Agent Michael D. Leverock (754) 703-2000

Law enforcement agencies from Dade and Broward counties joined together in a three-day enforcement action targeting those who sexually exploit children through prostitution. The sting operation, known as Operation Cross Country IV, was part of a nationwide crackdown that began Thursday, October 22, 2009 and concluded on Saturday, October 24, 2009. The FBI, Miami-Dade-Police Department, Broward Sheriff's Office, City of Miami Police Department, and Miami Beach Police Department rescued one child victim. In addition, one pimp, 73 adult prostitutes, and 10 others were arrested on local charges.

"The victimization of children through prostitution is a problem most people believe happens in other countries,” said John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Miami Field Office. “Unfortunately, the sad reality is that children are sexually exploited right here in our own communities. The outstanding work done by the agents and officers is a testament to their dedication to saving children from a lifetime of misfortune and hardship.”

Operation Cross Country IV was coordinated with 30 other FBI field offices in 36 cities. In total, 52 children were recovered who were being victimized through prostitution. Additionally, nearly 700 others, including 60 pimps, were arrested on state and local charges. The nationwide operation is part of the Innocence Lost National Initiative that was launched in 2003. Partnering with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the FBI aims at addressing the growing problem of domestic sex trafficking of children in the United States. In 2008, the first Operation Cross Country was executed in 16 field offices, followed by one other in 2008 and the latest in February 2009. The Miami Field Office and our local partners have participated in all four, rescuing a total of five juveniles and arresting on local charges six pimps, 222 adult prostitutes, and 21 others.

The charges announced today are merely accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

For more information on Operation Cross Country and the Innocence Lost Initiative, visit www.fbi.gov.