CA- Child Porn Traffickers Cited in Missing Child Search

UPDATE 4-11-09: It appears that "A Sunday school teacher" has been arrested and charged in this case. Thanks to a reader tip..

Post by eAdvocate 4-7-2009 California:

In a precedent that could have a major impact nationwide, California police say they are looking at known child pornography traffickers in a missing child case.

(TRACY, Calif.) - Police in Tracy, California, a city of 80,000 just east of San Francisco, are searching for an 8 year-old child, Sandra Cantu, who disappeared March 27th.

Now, according to the Tracy Press, investigators in the case say they are looking at 60 individuals in the Tracy area who have been identified trafficking in child pornography, along with 78 "registered" sex offenders.

It is believed to be the first time in the U.S. that police have publicly acknowledged the huge population of known but not arrested child pornography suspects in a missing child case.

While visiting the homes of "registered" sex offenders is common in missing children cases, the public is mostly unaware that U.S. law enforcement has also identified hundreds of thousands of criminals trafficking in child pornography.

Fewer than 2% of these suspects are ever investigated, as police and lawmakers focus on other priorities.

(Posted by eAdvocate)

Most law enforcement agencies are reluctant to acknowledge the existence of these suspects, because doing so would put huge numbers of unsolved crimes on their boards... crimes they are not now investigating.

Pursuing the 60 known Tracy child pornography traffickers would, without question, lead to the rescue of many local children who are suffering at the hands of sexual predators, many within their own homes.

If authorities follow through on their plan, they will seek 60 subpoenas and then locate and interview these individuals. Tracy could then expect a wave of successful child pornography and child abuse investigations and prosecutions.

Excellent police work, announce -in the news- what you are going to do beforehand, so you can go to an empty house and catch no one! Very logical, good sense Inspector Gadget...

Tracy authorities, under intense pressure to find Sandra Cantu, have now set an incredibly important national precedent.

Their willingness to acknowledge at-large child pornography traffickers in their midst shows courage... and could help locate a child victim. ..News Source.. by Salem-News.com