During the weekend of 07.26.13-07.28.13, the FBI conducted a
massive sex trafficking raid. More than 100 teenagers were rescued during this
crackdown which swept more than 70 cities. This operation resulted in the
arrest of 159 pimps and was the largest FBI action to date, signaling concerted
action against the sexual slave trade.
Pimps are especially adept at preying on troubled children
who are enticed with compliments and gifts. These girls are then often
“seasoned” or groomed for prostitution with beatings, drug addiction and
multiple rapes. They are frequently trapped in a cycle that sees them forced to
service fifteen to twenty men each day and are often abused and tortured to
keep them in line.
This weekend sweep was the seventh iteration of Operation
Cross Country which represents a partnership between Federal Authorities and
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in the war against sex
trafficking of children.
The tide is turning…Richard Lazere
