"It's Phenomenal": 16 Child Sexual Predator Suspects Arrested in Wisconsin

A week long sting called "Operation New Hope" has landed 16 alleged child sexual predators behind bars.

Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel says that week long operation was focused on child exploitation and online crimes.

At least two of those 16 are from Southeastern Wisconsin, including a man from Sheboygan County, and a man from Walworth County.

Arrests were also made in the following counties:  Brown, Clark, Columbia, Dane, Eau Claire, Marquette, Outagamie, Rock, Shawano, Sheboygan, and Winnebago. 

Schimel credited the arrests to "Alicia's Law", which went into effect last year. That law, authored by Racine State Senator Van Wanggaard, made it easier for law enforcement officials to track down suspected predators without a judge's permission. It also expanded funding for those searches. 

     “This is just phenomenal," said Wanggaard. "It makes you feel pretty good that you're having a positive effect on maybe protecting more juveniles out there from getting into this type of a situation." 

Wanggaard is hoping this series of arrests serves as a warning to others.

     "It's going to put them on notice, that we're going to catch them."