Tulare County Sheriff's Operation Baby Face Phase II

On August 11, the County Sheriff's Operation Baby Face dismantled a human trafficking organization that sexually exploited 23 juveniles and 29 adults in the County. Three primary suspects were arrested for human trafficking and 12 people were arrested for co-conspiracy.

On August 22, Sheriff Boudreaux announced seven men were arrested over the weekend following an operation similar to “Dateline NBC: To Catch a Predator.”

As a result of Operation Baby Face Phase I, detectives learned of sexual predators who were operating separately from the human trafficking case on the internet via social media. Operation Baby Face Phase II focuses on these predators.

Through an online undercover operation, seven predators were identified and arrested for soliciting an adult undercover deputy purporting herself to be a 16-year-old female juvenile online for sexual exploitation, said Boudreaux.

“I want the public’s attention,” he said. “The public needs to know that there are predators looking to prey on the innocence of our children. We will be vigilant and aggressive in identifying these predators.”

During Operation Baby Face Phase II, a female deputy represented herself online as a 16-year-old girl in Tulare County. In no time, several men pursued her even though it was clear she was underage.

While they didn’t meet the criteria of a human trafficking case, they did pursue her, whom they believed to be a female juvenile, for sexual acts. That is a crime.

Sheriff Boudreaux’s message for kids: Choose your friends wisely. Be aware that there are predators who say they want to be your friends. When someone asks you to send a revealing photo of yourself, say no and notify your parents. Photos on the internet last forever.

For Parents: Please call law enforcement when anything suspicious happens.

Sheriff Boudreaux encourages parents to talk with their children about what children are doing online and how it could possibly lead to victimization.

“Talk to your children,” he said. “You are the parents. Look at what your children are doing online. Be a concerned and protective parent.”

Please contact law enforcement if you discover something suspicious.

Tulare Co. Sheriff’s Office: (559) 733-6218 or anonymously through TipNow at (559) 725-4194 or tcso@tipnow.com.