Massachusetts State Police dropped the hammer last week in a massive statewide crackdown on child predators — a blistering three-day blitz dubbed Operation Firewall that led to 56 arrests across 38 communities.
In one of the largest sweeps of its kind, troopers executed 34 search warrants, seized 229 electronic devices, and hauled in suspects ranging in age from 18 to 75. The charges run the gamut — from possession and production of child sexual abuse material to child enticement, rape of a child, assault and battery of a child, and failing to register as a sex offender.
The operation, developed by the State Police Division of Investigative Services, targeted the dark corners of the internet where predators trade and produce explicit material involving children. Troopers were joined by the Cyber Crime Unit, the High Risk Victims Unit, and the Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section — along with tactical teams and local cops — to execute dozens of raids and sting operations…