As part of a three-month investigation, the Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force produced 56 arrests in Maryland.
Maryland State Police arrested 21 of those perpetrators as part of "Operation Broken Heart," in which more than 61 task forces from across the nation participated in the initiative targeting child sexual exploitation offenders.
The Maryland ICAC is made up of police agencies from across the state. They target those who make, possess, or distribute child pornography, or who engage in practices online that entice children for sexual gains, or who target children for prostitution or human trafficking.
During "Operation Broken Heart," 426 investigations were undertaken and 149 search warrants were executed. Through public outreach, nearly 780 people were engaged with. Nationally, 3,700 presentations on Internet safety were given to 390,000 youth and adults.
