“Our detectives worked tirelessly with our local and federal partners to identify and arrest those who prey on the most vulnerable in our community.”
Twenty-one people were arrested during a multi-agency child exploitation operation in Snohomish County this week as law enforcement targeted individuals allegedly seeking to sexually exploit children, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Dubbed "Operation Guardian," the multi-day operation brought together more than 30 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies under the leadership of the Washington State Patrol's Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF), Washington's affiliate of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is reviewing each case to determine what criminal charges will be filed.
The Washington State Patrol told The Ari Hoffman Show on Talk Radio 570 KVI in a statement that the investigation focused on suspects allegedly involved in offenses including attempted first- and second-degree rape of a child, commercial sexual abuse of a minor, communication with a minor for immoral purposes, sexual exploitation of a minor, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Authorities have not yet announced which specific charges apply to each individual defendant, as prosecutors continue reviewing the cases.
The operation marks the latest in a series of child predator stings conducted by the task force since it was established by the Washington Legislature. Since the first operation in August 2015, MECTF has resulted in nearly 400 arrests and helped remove numerous children from dangerous situations through law enforcement intervention.
"Our detectives worked tirelessly with our local and federal partners to identify and arrest those who prey on the most vulnerable in our community," Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste said. "Protecting children from exploitation is one of the most important responsibilities we have as law enforcement officers, and we will continue to pursue these offenders relentlessly."
The operation was headquartered in Edmonds, where the Edmonds Police Department served as the base of operations. "We are proud to have served as the base of operations for this exceptional team of law enforcement professionals and support staff," said Edmonds Assistant Chief Josh McClure. "It has been our privilege to support this operation and the Task Force's dedicated efforts to prevent child victimization in and around Edmonds. This was an extraordinary demonstration of collaborative, mission-focused public safety."
Those arrested were identified by the Washington State Patrol as:
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the suspects or who may be able to help identify additional victims to contact the Missing and Exploited Children Task Force at mectf@wsp.wa.gov.
More than 30 agencies participated in the operation, including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the Seattle Police Department, the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, and numerous municipal police departments from across Washington and neighboring states.
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