ICE-led sting operation in Colorado nets 10 child predator arrests
DENVER — Ten child-predator suspects were arrested last week during a two-day undercover sting operation led by U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in the Denver area.
During this operation, undercover HSI special agents were assisted by detectives from the Adams County (Colorado) Sheriff’s Office, the Commerce City (Colorado) Police Department and the Colorado State Patrol.
“To protect the most vulnerable in our society, we must be proactive – identifying and apprehending predators who have decided to take advantage of our children,” said David A. Thompson, special agent in charge of HSI Denver. “HSI is proud to do this important work in collaboration with our state and local partners, who are vital to the success of these missions.”
The 10 men were arrested in the Jan. 20-21 operation on state charges of attempted trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude, attempted solicitation of a child for prostitution, and attempted sexual assault of a child. These cases will be prosecuted by the Adams County District Attorney’s Office.
Two of the men arrested have occupations related to public trust, including an elementary school teacher and a public school employee whose job does not provide access to children.
Three others are from Mexico and are illegally in the United States. They will face deportation proceedings after they are processed through the state criminal justice system.
By taking criminal aliens who pose public safety threats off community streets and removing them from the country, ICE addresses a significant security and public safety vulnerability.
This operation was conducted under HSI’s Operation Predator, an international initiative to protect children from sexual predators. Since the launch of Operation Predator in 2003, HSI has arrested more than 14,000 individuals for crimes against children, including the production and distribution of online child pornography, traveling overseas for sex with minors, and sex trafficking of children. In fiscal year 2015, nearly 2,400 individuals were arrested by HSI special agents under this initiative and more than 1,000 victims identified or rescued.
HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196.
Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST.
For additional information about wanted suspected child predators, download HSI’s Operation Predator smartphone app or visit the online suspect alerts page.
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