The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department announced on April 19 that it has concluded Operation Firewall, a two-week enforcement initiative resulting in the arrest of 101 individuals and the rescue of 16 children.
Operation Firewall was led by the Crimes Against Children Detail and supported by personnel from all 15 patrol stations across San Bernardino County. The effort focused on identifying and apprehending those exploiting children through online means. According to the department, charges included possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, arranging to meet with a minor for sexual purposes, sending lewd photographs to a minor, lewd acts with a minor, and violations of sex offender registration requirements.
Beyond making arrests, investigators identified and rescued sixteen live victims who were removed from situations involving further abuse or exploitation. The sheriff’s department said this annual operation is an important measure against threats faced by children in digital spaces.
“The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department remains steadfast in our dedication to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community. Operation Firewall sends a clear message: we will use every resource available to create a safe online environment and hold those who seek to harm our children accountable,” said Shannon D. Dicus, sheriff-coroner for San Bernardino County.
The department encourages parents and guardians to monitor their children’s online activity closely. For additional information on internet safety or reporting suspicious activity, residents are urged to contact their local sheriff’s station.
Shannon D. Dicus serves as sheriff-coroner for the county agency which maintains fifteen patrol stations serving more than 2.1 million residents; its facilities include a dispatch center handling numerous service calls as well as a historical society museum preserving departmental heritage, according to the official website.
