LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- More than 325 sexual predators have been taken off the streets since 2019, thanks to the efforts of Kentucky's Electronic Crime Branch.
That's according to a news release from Kentucky State Police, which stated that 16 people were arrested in Kentucky during a recent investigation called "Operation Safe Summer." That brings the number of people arrested for preying on minors to 325 since 2019.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear praised the agents who took part in the operation. "I am proud of our Electronic Crime Branch team for working hard to take predators off the internet and off the streets so our children can be safe online and in their community," Beshear said in a recent video.
Operation Safe Online Summer was conducted throughout April by all 50 states and coordinated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, according to the news release.
"Operation Safe Online Summer is about more than arrests," said Lt. Mike Bowling, commander of KSP’s Electronic Crime Branch, in a written statement. "It is about education, prevention and protecting the most vulnerable among us.
During the month-long operation, Kentucky's Electronic Crime Branch and local partners took the following actions:
- Launched over 70 investigations stemming from complaints and cyber tips.
- Arrested 16 perpetrators.
- Executed 37 search warrants across the state.
- Submitted 16 cases for state prosecution and two cases for federal prosecution.
- Identified 11 child victims during the operation.
- Completed 37 forensic examinations, including 17 on-scene forensic examinations.
- Examined a total of 934 GB of data for evidence.
- Conducted 14 Community Outreach Presentations, reaching more than 730 individuals with vital information on internet safety.
Kentucky State Police officials urge parents, educators and community leaders to keep close tabs on their children who have online access.
Related Coverage:
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