(AmericanProsperity.com) – In a powerful strike, law enforcement agencies in North Carolina have arrested 23 suspected sexual predators targeting children online.
Davidson County Sheriff Richie Simmons announced the arrests following a five-day undercover operation dubbed “Millstone.”
The Invictus Task Force involved a collaboration of local, state and federal entities whose agents posed as juveniles aged 12 to 14 to lure predators.
Sheriff Terry Johnson addressed the criminals, saying, “They need to go to prison, and our legislators need to take a step forward and make sure this doesn’t… (continue) to happen.”
“Because we’re not through. We are coming after you if you mess with our kids here in North Carolina,” he continued.
The operation took place in late October and involved 19-20 law enforcement agencies across North Carolina.
It targeted individuals seeking to arrange meetings for sex with children, highlighting the growing threat of online predators.
Among those arrested was Michael Todd Villines, a registered sex offender from Virginia. The operation has underscored the need for tougher laws and sentencing to prevent repeat offenses.
The Invictus Task Force is leading the charge in North Carolina, using a full-time thorough approach to investigate cyber tips and uncover human trafficking and exploitation cases.
“We have had girls taken from our county, which is what started this task force. These are dangerous people…We have to get them off the streets and away from our children,” – Sheriff Simmons explained.
Law enforcement officials emphasize that crimes against children are ongoing, with Sheriff Johnson stating, “We’re losing young people every day to crimes that these individuals are committing.”
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