Child-prostitution raids nab over 600

WASHINGTON - More than 600 adults have been arrested and 47 children rescued in a three-day roundup targeting people who force children into prostitution.

The FBI said the roundup by federal, state and local law enforcement occurred in 29 cities, adding that the raids dismantled 12 large-scale prostitution operations run through call services, truck stops, casinos, and websites.

At a news conference announcing the results of Operation Cross Country II, FBI Deputy Director John Pistole said yesterday that the arrests were made possible by intelligence gathered during a similar series of raids in June.

The 47 rescued children ranged in age from 13 to 17, and all but one are female.

A total of 642 people were arrested.

The operation was part of a larger, five-year initiative that has led to the recovery of 575 children and the dismantling of 36 criminal operations since June 2003.

ASSOCIATED PRESS