FBI rescues 168 child prostitutes, nabs 281 pimps, in weeklong sting

(Image credit: FBI)

last updated 8 January 2015

On Monday, the FBI announced the results of its most recent nationwide child prostitution sweep, Operation Cross Country. Here are the main numbers: Last week, in 106 U.S. cities, the FBI and local law enforcement recovered 168 juvenile sex-trafficking victims and arrested 281 alleged pimps, the bureau said. Over the course of the eight child prostitution stings since 2003, the FBI added, about 3,600 sexually exploited minors have been rescued, 1,450 people convicted, and more than $3 million in assets seized.

"These are not children living in some faraway place, far from everyday life," said FBI Director James Comey. "These are our children. On our streets. Our truck stops. Our motels. These are America's children." They were found in these 106 cities:

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.