More than 150 arrested during human trafficking operation in Scottsdale

The City of Scottsdale Police Department announced that 158 people were arrested during a 12-day, multi-agency operation targeting human trafficking in Scottsdale.

Between Jan. 23 and Feb. 10, the Scottsdale Police Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit conducted a proactive operation to arrest sex buyers, child predators and individuals involved with the sex trade and trafficking. The operations were decoy-based, with no children directly involved.

Agencies from around the valley took part, including Scottsdale Police, Phoenix Police, Goodyear Police, Avondale Police, Mesa Police, Buckeye Police, Surprise Police and the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office.

Charges ranged from child sex trafficking, prostitution, pandering, luring a minor for sexual exploitation, attempted sexual conduct with a minor, possession of narcotic drugs, possession of dangerous drugs and felony flight.

Within the 158 arrests, there were 37 felonies and 121 misdemeanors.