15 arrested in Utah child exploitation sting targeting online predators
Apr 23, 2025, 2:35 PM
FILE - The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement task force dedicated to protecting children from internet predators. (Deseret News)
(Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Police arrested over a dozen people across Utah during an operation targeting child exploitation.
According to authorities, those arrested were all living between Davis, Salt Lake, Summit, Utah and Weber counties.
The Utah Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested 15 people during the operation last week. The task force worked undercover, posing as children on various social media platforms.
Sete Aula’i, the task force commander, said all but two are accused of offenses such as sharing child sexual abuse material online or attempting to meet with minors.
“That’s why the ICAC task force is here,” said Aula’i.”It’s to be the divider between those offenders who are choosing to hurt children and for us to be there to make sure that children are safe.”
According to Aula’i, 13 of the arrests were made over just four days.
“It’s unlike any type of crime,” he said. “It’s being able to bring justice for these children, be a voice for them. That’s a lot of satisfaction.”
Adam Small is a reporter for KSL NewsRadio. He primarily reports on the Great Salt Lake and Natural Resources. Follow him on Facebook and X.
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