For tools to help parents protect their children against technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and internet crimes, visit aricac.org.
In less than three months, Arkansas State Police (ASP) arrested 42 people with charges related to crimes against children. From March 10 through the end of May 2024, ASP made dozens of arrests related to child sex abuse, as well as failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements. Here are the numbers that resulted in child rescues, and predator arrests and prosecution:
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1,600 home visits were made by officers with registered sex offenders.
160 investigations were initiated by ICAC officers
63 cases were submitted for prosecution to state and federal courts.
45 of those cases have been accepted for grand jury indictments.
2 cases involved child sex trafficking, arrests were made, and ongoing investigations across multiple states are in progress.
5 children were rescued by officers from ongoing sexual abuse.
22 children were identified as new victims.
42 people were arrested
9 of the arrests were for hands-on offenses.
178 search warrants executed
As the school year ended and summer activities kicked off, Arkansas State Police (ASP) ramped up efforts to identify and stop sexual predators during a special Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Division operation called Operation Cyber Highway Safety Check.
“Unfortunately, children are often alone and most vulnerable during the summer,” said ASP Colonel Mike Hagar. “Starting in March, our ICAC Task Force officers stepped up efforts to keep our kids safe by going after individuals trying to exploit them. Our mission is to investigate, prosecute, and prevent internet crimes against children, and to make Arkansas a safe place for its youngest citizens.”
Operation Cyber Highway Safety Check aimed to increase proactive investigations of cases involving Child Sex Abuse Material (CSAM) from the start of Spring Break until the end of the school year. Historically, ICAC receives more cyber tips from electronic service providers and public complaints during spring and summer breaks.
“This statewide operation has been the most successful in the task force’s history,” said Major Stacie Rhoads, ASP Criminal Investigation Division commander. “Child predators exploit the innocence and trust of children. Our relentless pursuit of those who prey on children will ensure they are held accountable for their actions.”
Operation Cyber Highway Safety Check included local, county, and state affiliates, as well as federal law enforcement partners, participating in a unified effort to combat child sexual abuse material throughout Arkansas.
As part of an ongoing effort to educate and protect school children, ASP Troopers are set to distribute informative posters to all schools with students who are age 12 and above in the upcoming school year. The posters aim to raise awareness about the serious risks associated with sextortion and provide vital information to help keep students safe. These posters will contain clear and identifiable signs of sextortion and feature a QR code, allowing students to capture it discreetly with their devices. By doing so, students can access information later, helping reduce the risk of bullying and shaming associated with this issue.
For tools to help parents protect their children against technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and internet crimes, visit aricac.org.