18 people arrested in connection to child pornography, 14 of them were right here out of the Fresno area.
That's enough to make many local parents worried.
"It's horrible, it's a terrible thing to hear," said one parent.
That's why law enforcement is working hard at protecting the most vulnerable in society he U.S. Attorney's office and Homeland Security Investigations partnered with local law enforcement to target suspected child pornographers.
It's an operation that puts parents at ease.
"That's wonderful, that's great that they're doing that," Sany Jauregui said.
It's called "Operation Sunflower" and it's proven to be successful.
In just 5 weeks law enforcement agencies were able to track down on 44 active incidents, 3 of them involving local children.
"Each time these images are viewed. A child is being victimized again and again," Mike Prado said.
Authorities say it requires parents to do their part as well, and many agree.
"They should get stronger on this issue," Pat Peters said.
Peters knows the feeling of having a child exploited, she says her grand-daughter was molested in the past and has become more vigilant ever since.
"We know personally what it's like and what it feels to the family and it destroys everything in their life," Peters said.
This grandmother has simple but important advice.
"Keep aware, keep very aware."
245 arrests have been made nationwide under Operation Sunflower, but authorities say the 14 that occurred here in the Fresno area represents the largest number conducted by any Homeland Security investigations office nation wide.
