PHOENIX – Twenty-seven metro Phoenix men have been arrested this month in a multi-agency investigation of child sex crimes known as Operation Silent Predator, authorities said Thursday.
Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe and Chandler police worked with Homeland Security Investigations and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office on the undercover operation.
The suspects allegedly believed they were arranging or brokering sex acts with boys and girls younger than 15 years old through social media, police said.
When you put the bait out, the fish will come,” Commander Jim Gallagher of the Phoenix Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Bureau said during a press conference.
Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams urged parents to monitor their children’s online activity.
The men arrested ranged in age from 21 to 69.
Here are the names, ages, reporting agencies and booking charges for the first 26 arrests as provided by the Phoenix Police Department (the 27th suspect’s information was not provided):. »