Combating Child Sexual Exploitation: Attorney General Bonta Announces Results of Operation Chatter Box

September 1, 2026 Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov SAN DIEGO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the results of Operation Chatter Box, a multi-day enforcement operation conducted by the California Department of Justice’s (DOJ) San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force (SDHTTF) and Homeland Security Investigations’ Child Exploitation Group (HSI-CEG) to combat the sexual exploitation of children. From August 17 through August 25, undercover agents used online platforms to identify individuals allegedly seeking sexual contact with minors, while additional law enforcement personnel conducted compliance checks on individuals on active parole for sexual offenses involving minors. The operation resulted in 15 arrests, including 12 arrests for allegedly arranging to meet a minor for lewd or lascivious conduct and three arrests for alleged parole violations. “The internet should never be a hunting ground for those who seek to exploit children. Operation Chatter Box sends an unmistakable message: if you go online looking to harm a child, law enforcement will be there waiting,” said Attorney General Bonta. “My office is proud to lead the San Diego Human Traff