Operation Safe Online Summer leads to 16 arrests across Kentucky, officials say
FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Governor Andy Beshear announced Thursday that the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch arrested 16 child predators as part of Operation Safe Online Summer, a nationwide effort to combat internet crimes against children.
According to the press release from the governor’s office, the month-long operation took place in April and was coordinated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, with participation from all 50 states.
“I’m proud of our Electronic Crime Branch team for working hard to take predators off the internet and off the streets so our children can be safe online and in their community,” said Gov. Beshear.
Since 2019, the branch has made 325 arrests related to online child exploitation.
KSP Lt. Mike Bowling said the initiative was about more than arrests. “Our team works tirelessly to respond to cyber tips, pursue offenders and educate the public. Every child we protect and every victim we identify is a step closer to a safer online environment for Kentucky’s youth,” Bowling said in the release.
Key results from the operation in Kentucky included:
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70+ investigations launched
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16 arrests
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37 search warrants executed
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11 child victims identified
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934 GB of digital evidence examined
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14 community outreach events reaching over 730 people
KSP says the Electronic Crime Branch works year-round to investigate internet crimes against children and encourages Kentuckians to report any suspected abuse through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline or by calling 1-800-THE-LOST.
