HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A multi-agency task force aimed at tracking down child predators arrested 13 men over the weekend on charges of commercial exploitation of a minor or first-degree electronic enticement of a child.
The “Operation Keiki Shield” effort was announced Wednesday.
Honolulu Police Chief Arthur “Joe” Logan said the suspects range in age from 22 to 61 and all have local addresses.
Of the 13, four are in the military.
“This week’s arrests confirm what we in law enforcement know too well,” Logan said. “That there are many individuals who will seek out and prey on the most vulnerable in our community.”
Edward Arias, commander of the task force, said the most frequent targets for child predators are between 13 and 15.
““I want to put the fear of God into them.” he said. “When your’e online and you think you’re talking to a child, you’re probably talking to one of us.”
Logan said Operation Keiki Shield members come from multiple departments, including Hawaii police departments, Homeland Security Investigations and military law enforcement agencies.
The most recent sting is in addition to more than 80 arrests already made by the task force since it was formed in 2019.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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