Operation 'Blue Ice' arrests 46 people

Operation centers on prostitution, human trafficking

Bexar County Sheriff Susan Pamerleau announced the results of Operation "Blue Ice" Tuesday, describing dozens of arrests in a nine-hour long sting last week.

Pamerleau, flanked by a half-dozen representatives from cooperating law enforcement agencies, said 46 people were arrested during the operation, most of them "johns" caught in the act while soliciting sex.

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Pamerleau highlighted several people, including Grant Allen, a teacher at Stinson Middle School, who was arrested for trying to solicit sex online.

Christopher Bednarz, an EMT for Americano Ambulance Company, was arrested for trying to solicit sex with a minor. He was arrested while on duty.

A total of six people were arrested on human trafficking charges.

The Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, SAPD, and the Bexar County's District Attorney's office also participated in the operation, among other agencies.

The sting focused on what was described as "everyday" prostitution, in order to tackle the larger issue of human trafficking.

Pamerleau said that the worst offenders, including those who abuse children, can often be caught in the net.

Six people were charged with attempted human trafficking in Operation Blue Ice.

"Any time we can discourage one person from forcing someone into this form of modern-day slavery, we consider it a success," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Vincent Iglio, of the San Antonio branch of the Department of Homeland Security.


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