10 Arrested in Fort Worth Sting Targeting Online Child Predators

Operation Spring Cleaning leads to multiple arrests, with 9 more suspects under investigation

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:51am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffed hands against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the arrest of an online child predator during a law enforcement sting operation.A harsh, gritty close-up of evidence from a law enforcement sting operation targeting online child predators, highlighting the serious nature of the crimes and the collaborative efforts to protect vulnerable minors.Carrollton Today

A three-day undercover operation led by the Fort Worth Police Department, in collaboration with several other law enforcement agencies, has resulted in the arrest of 10 individuals accused of attempting to solicit minors online. The operation, dubbed 'Operation Spring Cleaning', also has 9 additional suspects under investigation.

Why it matters

The arrests highlight the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the exploitation of children online, an issue that has become increasingly prevalent in the digital age. The operation serves as a reminder to parents to be vigilant about their children's online activities and communications.

The details

The sting operation, which took place from April 1-3, involved investigators using multiple online platforms to identify adults seeking sexual contact with children under the age of 17. The participating agencies included the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Crowley Police Department, Carrollton Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Secret Service, and the FBI.

  • The operation was conducted from April 1-3, 2026.
  • The Fort Worth Police Department announced the results of the operation on April 16, 2026.

The players

Fort Worth Police Department

The lead agency that coordinated the multi-agency sting operation targeting online child predators.

Tarrant County Sheriff's Office

One of the participating law enforcement agencies in Operation Spring Cleaning.

Texas Department of Public Safety

One of the participating law enforcement agencies in Operation Spring Cleaning.

Crowley Police Department

One of the participating law enforcement agencies in Operation Spring Cleaning.

Carrollton Police Department

One of the participating law enforcement agencies in Operation Spring Cleaning.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This operation is a strong reminder that law enforcement is already working to find anyone using the internet to target children, and to encourage parents to always be involved in who your children might be communicating with online or through social media platforms. Through continued collaborations, we remain committed to protecting our most vulnerable and holding offenders accountable.”

— Fort Worth Police Department

What’s next

The Fort Worth Police Department stated that more information about Operation Spring Cleaning is not being released due to the sensitivity and ongoing nature of the cases.

The takeaway

This operation highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the exploitation of children online, and serves as a reminder to parents to be vigilant about their children's online activities and communications. The collaboration between multiple agencies demonstrates the commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and holding offenders accountable.