47 Youths Rescued in Multicity Crackdown on Sex Trafficking Rings

Authorities arrested 642 pimps and adult prostitutes and rescued 47 youths in a multicity crackdown on a dozen sex trafficking rings that force children into prostitution.

FBI Deputy Director John Pistole said at a news conference that federal, state and local authorities acted together to make the arrests in 29 cities, report the Washington Post and the Associated Press. The rescued youths, all but one female, had run away from home or broken with their families, the stories say.

The trafficking rings had operated through call services, truck stops, casinos and websites. The arrests are part of a five-year initiative that has led to the recovery of 575 sexually exploited children.