Two weeks ago, the FBI and local police in New Jersey collaborated in a major operation that resulted in the arrests of 16 people. In total, the national operation led to more than 800 arrests across 40 cities. Additionally, law enforcement recovered 69 children. The operation began in 2008, when law enforcement started their investigation.

According to the FBI’s Newark office, “Operation Cross County V” commenced when Newark police arrested six (6) prostitutes and two (2) pimps.

The next day, Secaucus police arrested five (5) prostitutes and one (1) pimp, while Newark police arrested two (2) more prostitutes.

During the sting, Newark police also recovered two (2) missing children. According to authorities, law enforcement will work with the Division of Youth and Family Services in New Jersey to ensure that the recovered children are either returned to their homes or placed into proper foster care.

Sex crimes are a very serious problem in the New Jersey area. According to FBI officials, child prostitution poses a problem in New Jersey because runaways are drawn to the NY/NJ area for jobs in high-profile industries like fashion and movies.

To learn more, see the NJ.com article entitled “FBI Arrests 16 in N.J. as Part of National Child Prostitution Crackdown.“