FBI sting targets child prostitution

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- A nationwide sting targeting child prostitution that involved multiple federal, state and local agencies resulted in 642 arrests, the FBI said Monday.

Ninety-two local, state and federal agencies in 29 U.S. cities participated in Operation Cross Country II, which officials said resulted in the arrests of 73 pimps and 518 prostitutes, and also led to the rescue of 47 underage prostitutes ages 13 to 17, the FBI said on its Web site.

Officials said 12 large-scale prostitution operations were disrupted by the sting and one of the rescued children had been registered "missing" with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

"Sex trafficking of children remains one of the most violent and unconscionable crimes committed in this country," FBI Deputy Director John Pistole said. "There are few law enforcement missions more important than protecting our nation's children."