The Apache Junction Police Department, working with federal, state, local and non-governmental partners, conducted a two-day undercover operation on June 5-6 aimed at people who used the internet and social media to solicit minors for sexual activity.

During the operation, undercover investigators posed as minors online and contacted people who believed they were arranging meetings with children under the age of consent. Investigators said they established probable cause through documented communications and coordinated meetings at a controlled location, where suspects were taken into custody.

As a result, 10 individuals were arrested and booked into the Pinal County Adult Detention Center on felony charges, including luring a minor for sexual exploitation, attempted sexual conduct with a minor, sex trafficking, aggravated luring, and misconduct involving weapons. The department said none of the people arrested were Apache Junction residents. It said all 10 traveled to Apache Junction from other Arizona communities believing they were meeting a child for sexual activity, and bonds were set as high as $350,000.

The operation was carried out with agencies including the Chandler Police Department, City of Mesa Police Department, Queen Creek Police Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety GIITEM, the Department of Homeland Security, Rocky Mountain Information Network, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pinal County Attorney's Office, Darkhorse Benefits, and the Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network.

Officials said the operation targeted people seeking to engage in child sex trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors. The Apache Junction Police Department said it will continue investigating crimes against children and working with partners to protect vulnerable people from exploitation and trafficking.

Casa Grande, AZ

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