The North Star Task Force recently concluded a six-month operation in northern Arizona targeting child sex trafficking and exploitation, resulting in 28 arrests. Among these, 19 were for misdemeanor prostitution charges, while nine involved felony offenses such as luring and aggravated luring of minors, sexual exploitation, pandering, and child sex trafficking. Nearly all those arrested were local residents, underscoring the alarming reality that child exploitation is a pervasive issue within the community. In an interview this morning, Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker elaborated on the operation's scope, the sentences tied to these crimes—including mandatory prison terms for felony offenses—and the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies involved. Barker emphasized the importance of vigilance and awareness in combating these hidden crimes and protecting vulnerable children.