SAN ANTONIO – Multiple local law enforcement agencies banded together to track down missing kids as part of Operation Lightning Bug. They found over 30 missing kids and six trafficking survivors.
From July 28 through August 15 law enforcement agencies focused their resources to locate missing kids at high risk of exploitation by traffickers and predators. They reviewed every missing juvenile listed in the Texas Crime Information Center and National Crime Information Center databases for the San Antonio area. Intelligence gathered was used to create operational plans that led to the recovery of numerous children and the disruption of human trafficking activity.
The operation resulted in. . .
- Over 30 missing juveniles located by officers and over 120 additional missing juveniles encouraged to return home.
- 6 trafficking survivors recovered and provided victim services.
- 3 arrests for harboring a runaway.
- 9 felony arrest warrants executed.
- 5 human trafficking investigations opened.
As the kids were recovered, the San Antonio Police Department’s Special Victims Unit detectives conducted interviews to identify potential victims. Survivors received immediate access to victim services…