Arizona’s Crack-Down on Child Predators Across the State

Removing Child Predators Across Cochise County

"...[T]he test of a civilization is the way that it cares for its helpless members." -Pearl S. Buck

Protecting children in our society at large has come a long way over the last few centuries, but we still have a long way to go.

There are good citizens in Arizona who are dedicated to safeguarding our children, and their mission is to remove child predators from our streets.

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Cochise County Arrests Child Predators

Over the past two years, Cochise County law enforcement agencies have made multiple arrests related to child exploitation.

In 2023, Victor Francisco Mendez of Douglas was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was caught uploading child sexual abuse material. He was apprehended following a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Douglas Police Department.

Another alarming case is that of Zana Horton, a former Cochise County kindergarten teacher. KGUN-9 reported that Horton was arrested for sexual conduct with a minor after a month-long investigation.

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Child Predator Arrests in Arizona

Over the summer, a statewide operation called Safe Online Summer (SOS), was conducted by law enforcement agencies in Arizona. Of the 132 investigations, 72 arrests were made of individuals using the internet to exploit children.

Twelve registered sex offenders were arrested, and 25 victims of ongoing exploitation were identified during the operation.

These operations are part of ongoing efforts. Multi-agency stings are conducted regularly throughout the year, increasing the chance that predators hiding in the shadows will be brought to justice.

READ: Prevent Child Deaths In Arizona: Simple Hacks To Avoid Tragedy

How to Report Child Exploitation in Arizona

If you suspect child exploitation, anonymous reporting is available.

Call the CyberTipline (1-800-843-5678). This free service is operated by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. It allows members of the public to report suspected offenders online or by phone without revealing their identity.

You can also contact Childhelp at 1-800-422-4453 for confidential support and guidance.

Locally, the Sierra Vista Police Department and Cochise County Sheriff's Office work with federal partners to investigate and support victims. If you believe a child you know may be a victim of this heinous crime, reach out immediately.