Operation Leather Mitt: Homeland Security Investigations Crack Down on Child Sex Crimes

Strategic Insights -

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has partnered with the Mesa Police Department and the Attorney General's Office in a four-day undercover operation, Operation Leather Mitt, targeting child sex crimes and human trafficking in the area. As a result, six local men have been arrested and charged with crimes ranging from money laundering and luring to attempted sex conduct with a minor and child sex trafficking. The operation was conducted by officers and undercover detectives who placed ads on websites commonly sought out by individuals seeking to engage in illegal sex acts. The suspects, aged between 21 and 56, were arrested and charged with various crimes, including child sex trafficking, attempted sex conduct with a minor, and money laundering.

Key Takeaways:

  • **6 local men arrested**: Jonathan Techur, Douglas Klingenberg, Julio Miranda Arana, Zachary Babbitt, Ricky Hrubienski, and Shane Blanton were arrested and charged with various crimes related to child sex trafficking and human trafficking.
  • **Child sex trafficking charges**: Five of the six suspects were charged with child sex trafficking, including Julio Miranda Arana, Zachary Babbitt, Ricky Hrubienski, Shane Blanton, and Jonathan Techur.
  • **Money laundering charges**: Three suspects, Jonathan Techur, Julio Miranda Arana, and Ricky Hrubienski, were charged with money laundering in addition to child sex trafficking and attempted sex conduct with a minor.
  • **HSI partnership**: HSI partnered with the Mesa Police Department and the Attorney General's Office to conduct the four-day undercover operation.
  • **Undercover operation**: Officers and undercover detectives used websites to target individuals seeking to engage in illegal sex acts with children.
  • **Arrests and charges**: The suspects were arrested and charged with various crimes, including child sex trafficking, attempted sex conduct with a minor, money laundering, luring, and attempted sexual conduct with a minor.
  • **Age of suspects**: The suspects ranged in age from 21 to 56 years.

Statistics:

  • **6 suspects arrested**: Six local men were arrested and charged with crimes related to child sex trafficking and human trafficking.
  • **5 child sex trafficking charges**: Five of the six suspects were charged with child sex trafficking.
  • **3 money laundering charges**: Three suspects were charged with money laundering in addition to child sex trafficking and attempted sex conduct with a minor.
  • **220 cities**: HSI has special agents assigned to 220 cities throughout the United States.
  • **80 overseas locations**: HSI has a significant international presence with 80 overseas locations in 53 countries.
  • **10,400 employees**: HSI's workforce consists of over 10,400 employees, including more than 7,100 special agents.

Sources:

  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
  • HT Media Ltd.