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Dozens Arrested In Tempe Child Prostitution Sting

Tempe police have arrested 30 people in a prostitution sting, including 14 men charged with soliciting children. Sgt. Mike Pooley says detectives posed as child prostitutes on websites used by pedophiles.

"It’s a world most people don’t know, but those that are involved, those involved in this type of crime that victimizes young kids," Pooley said. "They know where it’s at. If you know what you’re looking for, you know where to find it."

Pooley said this operation only ran five days, but there will probably be more stings in the future.

Al Macias, former KJZZ news director, retired as KJZZ's news director in 2022. He rejoined the station as a features reporter in 2023 and also as a part-time editor in 2024.