Scottsdale police have announced that in a recent multi-agency operation targeting human trafficking in Scottsdale has led to the arrests of 158 people.
Between January 23 and February 10, the Scottsdale Police Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit (HEAT) conducted a proactive operation to arrest sex buyers, child predators and individuals involved with the sex trade and trafficking.
The operations were decoy-based, with no children directly involved. Agencies from around the valley, including Scottsdale Police, Phoenix Police, Goodyear Police, Avondale Police, Mesa Police, Buckeye Police, Surprise Police and Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office.
Charges ranged from child sex trafficking, prostitution, pandering, luring a minor for sexual exploitation, attempted sexual conduct with a minor, possession of narcotic drugs, possession of dangerous drugs and felony flight.
Within the 158 arrests, there were 37 felonies and 121 misdemeanors.