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27 people face charges in U.S. and abroad in child porn sting

By MARK SHERMAN
Associated Press Writer

INDIANAPOLIS- U.S. and international authorities have charged 27 people in an online child pornography sting, a federal law enforcement official said Wednesday.

In recent days, federal agents have made arrests in Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, New York, North Carolina and Tennessee, the official said.

Australian, British and Canadian authorities also are part of the investigation, which began in Canada.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, joined by other U.S. and Canadian officials, was announcing details of the charges at a news conference Wednesday in Chicago.

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency led the U.S. investigation.

Gonzales has said the Justice Department would focus on crimes against children and online pornography.