2 month-long operation to find suspected child sexual predators in Colo. ends in 40 arrests

Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Forces around the country, including the Colorado Springs Police Department, conducted “Operation Broken Heart III” during April and May to identify and arrest suspected child sexual predators.

The operation resulted in the execution of 56 search warrants and 40 arrests in the state of Colorado.

The ICAC Task Force states the operation concentrated on offenders who:

(1) possess, manufacture, and distribute child pornography

(2) engage in online enticement of children for sexual purposes

(3) engage in the commercial sexual exploitation of children (commonly referred to as child prostitution)

(4) engage in child sex tourism (traveling abroad for the purpose of sexually abusing foreign children).

The Colorado ICAC Task Force is made up of numerous law enforcement agencies. It is commanded by Lieutenant Christy Sheppard. It is partially funded by a grant from the OJJDP and is coordinated through the Colorado Springs Police Department.