Staff Writer | Mayor of Scottsdale
Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky is praising the Scottsdale Police Department’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit (HEAT) for leading a major multi‑agency operation that resulted in 173 arrests connected to sex buying, child predation, human trafficking, and related crimes.
Scottsdale Police officials report between Jan. 21 and Feb. 14, HEAT conducted a proactive enforcement effort aimed at identifying and arresting offenders involved in the sex trade, child exploitation, and human trafficking.
Mayor Borowsky says the results underscore the police department’s ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring Scottsdale remains one of the safest communities in the nation.
“Scottsdale will not tolerate exploitation of any kind. We are a top-tier tourist destination. We welcome the tourists, not the traffickers. If you attempt to prey on the vulnerable here, you will not succeed, and you will not remain anonymous,” Mayor Borowsky said at a Feb. 26 press conference at Scottsdale Police HQ.
“This was smart, proactive policing. Victims identified during this operation were connected to meaningful support services, including advocacy and counseling. We are firm with offenders and compassionate toward survivors.”
The enforcement operation used decoy‑based investigative techniques — no actual children were used or placed in danger, police officials report.
Investigations stemming from the operation led to charges including:
- Child sex trafficking
- Attempted sexual conduct with a minor
- Luring a minor for sexual exploitation
- Prostitution‑related offenses and pandering
- Transporting for the purpose of prostitution
- Misconduct involving weapons
- Resisting arrest
- Possession of narcotic drugs
- Outstanding felony warrants
- Trespassing and other related offenses
Mayor Borowsky says she believes the scale of the collaborative effort demonstrates the region’s unified approach to combating exploitation.
Partner agencies included the Goodyear Police Department, Surprise Police Department, Phoenix Police Department, Avondale Police Department, Glendale Police Department, Peoria Police Department, Mesa Police Department, Flagstaff Police Department, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and the city of Scottsdale Prosecutor’s Office.
“Protecting public safety was a cornerstone of my platform, and it remains a top priority today. This operation demonstrates that we are delivering on that commitment, and nothing will block our efforts to safeguard the residents of Scottsdale,” Mayor Borowsky said. “As a mom, protecting this community is personal to me. Scottsdale is one of the safest communities in the nation because we act, and we act decisively. That is something our community should be proud of.”
