RICHMOND, Va. — Eight-two sexually exploited children were rescued as part of the FBI’s Operation Cross Country X, the law enforcement agency announced. The youngest American victim was just 13 years old, according to the FBI. The FBI arrested 239 pimps and other individuals during the three-day operation.
“This is a depressing day in law enforcement,” FBI Director Jim Comey said, “because this is the world we live in and the work we have to do.”
He also called it a proud day.
“There are people who spend every day worrying about how to rescue these children. They are true heroes,” he continued.
Among the 82 children recovered in the U.S. were two teenage sisters in Milwaukee. They told the FBI their mother was their pimp.
Locally, 15 people were arrested as part of Operation Cross Country X:
Friday’s operation in Winchester resulted in five arrests – one charged with Fugitive From Justice, two charged with Solicitation, and two charged with Solicitation/Possession of Controlled Substance.
Friday’s operation in Henrico County resulted in three arrests – each charged with Keeping a Bawdy Place.
Saturday’s operation in the City of Richmond resulted in four arrests – each charged with Keeping a Bawdy Place and one also charged with Possession of Marijuana.
Sunday’s operation in Chesterfield County resulted in three arrests – one charged with Possession of Heroin, one charged with Keeping a Bawdy Place, and the other charged with Keeping a Bawdy Place and Possession of Marijuana.
An individual who was wanted for two felony probation violations, a child support warrant, and for failure to register as a sex offender was located.
