244 Suspects Arrested in Texas During Child Exploitation Operation, Over 100 Children Rescued

The FBI in Dallas this week announced a major operation aimed at rescuing children from child exploitation. The operation was successful and led to more than 200 arrests across Texas including in Lubbock.

Not only were suspects arrested, over 100 children were rescued from predators across Texas.

Operation Soteria Shield in Texas

According to a report from EverythingLubbock.com, the FBI announced that Operation Soteria Shield took place in April with the goal of rescuing children and targeting predators. The FBI reported that 244 offenders were arrested during the operation.

The Dallas FBI also announced that 109 children across the state had been rescued from predators.

The FBI worked with many law enforcement agencies across Texas, including here on the South Plains. The Lubbock Police Department, Lamesa Police Department, and the Dawson County Sheriff's Office were among the agencies that participated in the operation.

“Operation Soteria Shield brought together over 70 agencies from across the state of Texas, including police departments, federal agencies, state and federal prosecutors, children’s advocacy centers, and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. We had a common goal, which was to rescue children from abuse and exploitation,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “This was not an easy operation, but a necessary one. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to protect the children in our communities, and we will hold child predators accountable for their crimes.”

8 Arrested in Lubbock During Operation Soteria Shield

According to EverythingLubbock.com, seven suspects were arrested in Lubbock and charged with some type of child exploitation. Another suspect was charged with Cruelty to a Non-Livestock Animal.

Great job to law enforcement across Texas in helping to keep children safe.