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3 children rescued from sex trafficking in NC during FBI's month-long sweep

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Three children were rescued in North Carolina during a month-long FBI sweep targeting sex traffickers, according to the FBI Charlotte Division.

[ALSO READ: Man accused of taking teen from Charlotte to Miami, forcing her into prostitution]

Officials said Operation Independence Day was conducted through July, rescuing 103 child victims and arresting 67 sex traffickers.

Two out of the 161 nationwide operations were led in North Carolina: one in Charlotte and one in the Southern Pines/Pinehurst area, according to the FBI.

WGHP reported that the operation relied on 86 FBI-led child exploitation and human trafficking task forces with the help of more than 400 agencies.

The FBI said a major element in all trafficking cases is the placement of victim specialists, who provide victims with the resources they need.