150 arrested, 105 children rescued from prostitution ring

WASHINGTON -- The FBI announced Monday the arrests of 150 people and

recovery of 105 children involved in child prostitution rings in 76

cities across the country.



The sweep, conducted in the past three days, was carried out in

partnership with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. It

represents the largest such law enforcement action focused on children

forced into prostitution.



Assistant FBI Director Ron Hosko, head of the bureau's criminal

division, said the children ranged from 13 to 17 years old. The

youngest of the victims was allegedly being pimped by her father, who

also was allegedly involved in videotaping his daughter's sexual

encounters.



In operations involving 230 separate law enforcement agencies,

authorities either made arrests or child recoveries from Atlanta to

Los Angeles.



The largest number of children -- 12 -- were recovered in San Francisco.



And the most alleged pimps --18 -- were arrested in Detroit.

"Child prostitution remains a persistent threat to children across

America," Hosko said. "This operation serves as a reminder that these

abhorrent crimes can happen anywhere and that the FBI remains

committed to stopping this cycle of victimization and holding the

criminals who profit from this exploitation accountable."

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