Cops bust ’30 perverts trying to exploit kids online’ during coronavirus lockdown
THIRTY alleged predators were arrested this month as a part of an "Operation COVID Crackdown" in Virginia, police announced.
A total of 68 felony charges were given to the 30 alleged perverts, after they started "explicit conversations and tried to initiate sex with officers posing as kids."
Fairfax County Police said they realized to online exploitation as classes transferred to being held virtually amid lockdowns.
This prompted them to launch "Operation COVID Crackdown" to target the alleged predators.
“Our detectives have remained vigilant and they recognized the increased threat posed by online predators in recent weeks,” Major Ed O’Carroll, Bureau Commander of Major Crimes, said in a .
Cops posing as children arranged to meet with the accused, and when each suspect arrived at an agreed location, he was arrested.
“I commend their ability to adapt during this unprecedented public health pandemic and to do so in the interest of protecting our children and bringing justice to those who commit these repugnant crimes," O'Carroll added.
The men ranged from ages 20 to 74, police said.
All 30 men face at least one count of solicitation of a minor, and at least one charge for either attempted indecent liberties, or soliciting a minor for prostitution.
The men were from or surrounding areas, including , , and .
Police encourage parents to monitor their children's online activities to keep them safe.
"Parents are urged to closely monitor their children’s online activities and use available security settings to prevent the use of age-inappropriate sites or platforms.
Around 95 percent of the U.S. has been under lockdowns amid the coronavirus pandemic.
As of Wednesday, more than 835,000 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the U.S., with over 45,000 deaths.
Most schools around the U.S. have been.
While experts and officials have debated how long in-person classes will be cancelled, Coronavirus Task Force expert Dr. Anthony Fauci said that he .
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“Bottom line is, no absolute prediction, but I think we're ,” Fauci told reporters at a White House press briefing in early April.
“I fully expect - though I’m humble enough that I can’t accurately predict - that by the time we get to the fall that we will have this under control enough, that it certainly will not be the way it is now, where people are shutting schools."
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