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Attorney General Jeff Landry Announces Success of Statewide Initiative to Reduce Internet Crimes Against Children

Operation Broken Heart Nabs 56 Accused of Distribution & Possession of Child Pornography in Two Months

BATON ROUGE, LA – Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry today unveiled 56 arrests as part of Operation Broken Heart, a statewide initiative to reduce internet crimes against children.

“Child victimization is a real problem in Louisiana, and I will do all that I can to fight it,” said General Landry. “As a father, I know I would do anything to protect my child; and as your Attorney General, I am committed to doing all I legally can to protect yours.”

“In April and May of this year as part of Operation Broken Heart, our Internet Crimes Against Children taskforce – comprised of 174 law enforcement agencies throughout the State with the Louisiana Department of Justice leading – have arrested 57 alleged perpetrators for distribution, possession, and sometimes both distribution and possession of sexual abuse images and/or videos of children,” continued General Landry.

At a press conference this afternoon, Department of Homeland Security’s Resident Agent in Charge Ron Militana and Superintendent of the Louisiana State Police Colonel Michael Edmonson thanked General Landry and the Louisiana Department of Justice for their efforts to bring justice to the victims of child exploitation.

“Today’s announcement is proof that our office policy to align closely with local, state, and federal agencies is working,” added General Landry. “Since taking office, I have teamed with law enforcement partners to enforce the rule of law – from tackling public corruption to thwarting child exploitation.”

“Due to recent budget cuts, our department may have to rely more on these partners. But despite what happens in the Capitol, our office remains focused on the best interests of Louisiana – and that certainly includes protecting our children,” concluded General Landry.

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Attorney General Jeff Landry’s Cyber Crime Unit has arrested 56 people on exploitation charges in 2016 alone. These public servants have additionally helped law enforcement agencies throughout the State with reactive, proactive, and forensic investigations; training and technical assistance; and criminal prosecutions.