Illinois Among States in FBI Rescue of 205 Child Victims

It's a sad reality that many who get caught up in human trafficking don't get a happy ending. This is fortunately an exception. The FBI has announced the results of an operation that led to the rescue of 205 child victims including many confirmed to be in Illinois.

This good news comes from the United States Attorney's Office in the Central District of Illinois. They shared that all 56 FBI field offices had just completed Operation Relentless Justice. The goal is to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The result is staggering as they say they busted 293 child sex abuse offenders and in the process also rescued 205 child victims and this includes many in Illinois. The FBI says those who were arrested are accused of "production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking".

“During this operational time frame, FBI Springfield made multiple arrests in the Southern and Central District of Illinois,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge, Christopher J.S. Johnson. “These operations are successful due to a combination of local and state partnerships, the relentless work of our investigative bodies, and the commitment we have to keeping our local neighborhoods safe.”

This is not an operation that will ever fully conclude. The FBI asks that if you see or suspect something, say something. You can call the FBI's tip-line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or submit an anonymous tip online.