Dublin PD was one of 91 law enforcement entities in Texas that participated in Operation Soteria Shield along with FBI Dallas’ North Texas Child Exploitation Task Force and the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
The coordinated law enforcement effort focused on rescuing children from online sexual exploitation and brought offenders to justice, resulting in 276 child exploitation arrests and the rescue of 89 children.
“Our agency was honored to assist with the FBI and our partners in the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force during Operation Soteria Shield. Although we were one of the smallest agencies participating, we were proud to work alongside all agencies involved,” Dublin Director of Public Safety and Police Chief Cameron Ray said.
Though no arrests were made inside Erath County, which Ray said he considers a win, Dublin PD contributed through undercover online investigative efforts that resulted in arrests in the DFW metroplex.
Ray added, “This operation highlights how agencies of all sizes can work together towards a common mission of protecting children, identifying offenders, and ensuring those who exploit our children are held accountable. We remain 110% committed to supporting these partnerships and doing our part to keep children safe.”
197 law enforcement personnel across multiple jurisdictions throughout the state participated in the operation along with investigators, analysts, digital forensic examiners, prosecutors, victim advocates, and child advocacy partners.
Operation Soteria Shield was designed to find offenders who exploit children through online platforms, social media, messaging applications and other digital environments. Investigators pursued individuals involved in the possession, distribution, production, or promotion of child sexual abuse material, online solicitation of minors, trafficking, sexual assault, and other child exploitation-related offenses.
Investigators also worked to locate children who were being exploited, identify previously unknown victims, and connect children and families with appropriate services. The cases generated through this operation remain active, and additional charges may be filed as forensic examinations and follow-up investigations continue.
“Together, we were able to make a significant impact in the ongoing battle against predators who exploit children in our communities. This would not have been successful without the resolve of each participating agency. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to prioritize the safety of the most vulnerable members of our communities,” FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock said.
Operation Soteria Shield highlights the importance of continued reporting by parents, guardians, schools, technology companies, and community members. Online child exploitation often begins with seemingly ordinary digital contact, and early reporting can be critical to stopping abuse and identifying victims.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to talk with children about online safety, monitor digital activity, report suspicious communications, and contact law enforcement if they believe a child is being targeted or exploited online.
Anyone with information about child exploitation is encouraged to contact local law enforcement, the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. Reports involving the online exploitation of children may also be submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at cybertipline.org.