Operation Broken Heart Nets 48 Arrests From Silicon Valley Force

SAN JOSE, CA — A Silicon Valley law enforcement unit tasked with Internet crimes aimed at children arrested 48 suspected sexual predators during "Operation Broken Heart," the San Jose Police Department reported Friday.

During April and May 2019, the special task force led by San Jose police joined 61 other units nationwide in identifying and arresting suspected child sexual predators. The force also provided Internet safety presentations to about 2,900 adults and youngsters.

Dozens of San Francisco Bay Area law enforcement agencies participated. Nationally, the operation resulted in nearly 1,700 arrests, and the task forces conducted more than 2,150 presentations on Internet safety to over 201,000 youth and adults.

The operation targeted suspects who produce, distribute, receive and possess child pornography; engage in online sexual enticement and trafficking of children; and travel across state lines or to foreign countries to sexually abuse children.

The operation included more than 4,500 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies across the United States.