OXFORD, Miss. – A coordinated two-week law enforcement operation targeting child exploitation and convicted sex offenders across Mississippi resulted in 70 arrests, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
The statewide initiative, known as Operation Muddy Waters, brought together federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to identify suspects accused of exploiting children, distributing or possessing child sexual abuse material and violating requirements or restrictions involving previously convicted sex offenders.
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Authorities said the 70 arrests involved offenses connected to child exploitation, solicitation of minors, possession or distribution of child sexual abuse material and violations allegedly committed by individuals with previous sex-offense convictions.
Matthew Reidell, assistant special agent in charge of HSI Gulfport, said the operation was intended to send a clear message to offenders who attempt to use technology and the internet to conceal crimes against children.
“Those who choose to hide behind a computer screen to exploit children will not remain hidden,” Reidell said.
He said HSI remains committed to protecting children, assisting victims and holding offenders accountable through cooperation with law enforcement agencies at every level of government.
Beyond the arrests, Operation Muddy Waters generated several new child exploitation investigations.
According to authorities, some cases involve individuals accused of traveling across state lines with the intention of engaging in sexual activity with minors. Other investigations involve suspects accused of livestreaming the sexual exploitation of children or downloading, distributing and soliciting child sexual abuse material.
Authorities also reported cases involving non-U.S. citizens allegedly present in the country unlawfully who are accused of crossing state lines to engage in sexual activity with minors.
The operation additionally identified individuals holding positions of public trust who are suspected of possessing child sexual abuse material, according to HSI.
Operation Muddy Waters was conducted in coordination with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of Mississippi, the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Local agencies participating in the operation included sheriff’s offices in Marshall, DeSoto, Harrison, Pearl River and Forrest counties, along with the Oxford Police Department and other federal, state and local law enforcement partners.
The operation reflects an increasingly coordinated approach by law enforcement agencies to investigate child exploitation cases that frequently cross city, county and state boundaries and involve digital platforms, electronic communications and online distribution networks.
Authorities emphasized that the conclusion of the two-week enforcement operation does not mean the investigations have ended. Several cases generated during the initiative remain under investigation and could result in additional enforcement actions.
Law enforcement officials are asking anyone with information concerning child exploitation or cases connected to Operation Muddy Waters to contact authorities.
Information related to HSI investigations can be reported through the HSI Tipline at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423). Suspected child sexual exploitation can also be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline at 1-800-THE-LOST.
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