June 2008 Takedown Background

To mark the fifth anniversary of the Innocence Lost National Initiative, the FBI Crimes Against Children Unit coordinated a national sting entitled Operation Cross Country to combat domestic sex trafficking in children. From June 18 to June 23, 2008, Innocence Lost Task Forces in 16 cities participated in the operation by targeting venues such as street tracks, truck stops, motels, casinos and the Internet where children are prostituted.

Over 350 law enforcement officers from over 50 state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies, joined together to rescue child victims and the criminals who victimize them. This operation included sting operations in 16 cities across the country, resulting in the arrest of 356 individuals and the recovery of 21 children. Over 30 defendants have already been charged, largely on state and local violations, some whom may also face federal charges.

The following agencies participated in Operation Cross Country:

Arizona

FBI Phoenix
Phoenix PD

Florida

FBI Tampa
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
FBI Miami
Miami Beach PD
Miami-Dade PD
Hallandale Beach PD
Bal Harbour PD
Miramar PD
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
City of Miami PD

California

FBI San Francisco -Oakland RA
Oakland PD
FBI Los Angeles
California DOJ
Los Angeles PD
FBI Sacramento
Sacramento PD

DC/Virginia/Maryland

FBI Washington Field Office
Metropolitan Police Department
Alexandria PD
Fairfax County PD
Montgomery County PD

Georgia

FBI Atlanta
Atlanta PD

Massachusetts

FBI Boston
Massachusetts State Police
Boston PD
Braintree PD
Suffolk County Sheriff's Office

Michigan

FBI Detroit
Michigan State Police
Wayne County Sheriff's Office
Madison Heights Police Department

Nevada

FBI Las Vegas
FBI Las Vegas - Reno RA
Las Vegas Metropolitan PD
Reno PD
Sparks PD
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
The University of Nevada at Reno School Police

Ohio

FBI Cleveland - Toledo RA
Toledo PD

Texas

FBI Houston
Houston PD
Harris County Sheriff's Office
FBI DallasDallas PD

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

FBI Headquarters – Crimes Against Children Unit