Operation 'Boo Dat' Sex Trafficking Bust Rescues 5 Missing Teenagers in New Orleans

The U.S. Marshals Service in New Orleans, Louisiana recently rescued five teenagers and arrested 30 others following its Operation "Boo Dat."

In a press release sent to Newsweek, the U.S. Marshals Service said that the five teenagers that were rescued included a 16-year-old female that was reported missing by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. The U.S. Marshals Service said that this teenager allegedly stole a relative's car and handgun before running away from her home.

"That teen, who was known to have ties to Bourbon Street and the Chef Highway area of New Orleans, was recovered at a residence in the 7900 block of Benson Street New Orleans and was located living with several adults [including] an adult female strip club dancer," the press release said.

The second teen that was rescued was identified as a 14-year-old female "with possible sex trafficking ties." According to the U.S. Marshals Service, the teen was recovered from a motel room in New Orleans. Two other girls, ages 17 and 15, were also located in the motel room with the recovered teen.

"A third recovery was the result of a collateral lead request from USMS Middle District of Louisiana to attempt to locate a 15-year-old runaway female for the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office. That teen had prior human sex trafficking issues in Baton Rouge, but her pimp had recently been murdered," the U.S. Marshals Service said.

The Marshals Service said that the 15-year-old teen was living with her 17-year-old boyfriend at an apartment located near the 12100 block of North I-10 Service Road New Orleans. The recovery of the 15-year-old teen is also potentially connected to an armed robbery that happened in the same area, the Marshals Service said in the press release.

According to the press release, the two other recoveries included two sisters aged 15 and 16. "Both females may be victims of adult(s) felony criminal sexual activities and they were recovered at an apartment in Baton Rouge with critical support from USMS Middle District of Louisiana and Baton Rouge Police Department," the press release said.

The Marshals Service said that Operation "Boo Dat" also resulted in the arrest of 30 individuals, including 17 suspects who were arrested for sex offender registration violations.

Operation "Boo Dat" was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service New Orleans Task Force and several other surrounding law enforcement agencies from mid-October to December 24.

In December 2020, the U.S. Marshals Service New Orleans Task Force announced that its Operation "Boo Dat 2020" resulted in 32 arrests and the recovery of four children considered missing or endangered.