Twelve people were detained over the weekend in Battle Ground, Wash., as part of an operation targeting people accused of sexual abuse and child exploitation.
The Washington State Patrol’s Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF) led the multi-day operation, known as “Operation Battle Ground.” The task force is affiliated with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC).
Clark County law enforcement departments, as well as several partner agencies, were involved. More than 60 police, agents, and staff helped make the operation a success.
The principal crimes under investigation include attempted rape of a child in the first and second degrees, communication with a kid for immoral purposes, and sexual exploitation of a minor.
“These targeted operations underscore the alarming extent of predators seeking to exploit children,” said Battle Ground Police Chief Dennis Flynn. “The collaborative work of the Missing and Exploited Children Task Force, along with the combined efforts of the twenty other law enforcement agencies, is critical to confronting these crimes. We remain steadfast in working alongside our partners to safeguard our youth from those who would exploit them.”
WSP Chief John Batiste further stated that the operation “sends a clear message: child exploitation will not be tolerated in Battle Ground or anywhere else.”
The individuals arrested were:
- John Yee, 48, Portland, OR
- Shadrick Monen, 24, Salem, OR
- Bakary Berete, 28, Portland, OR
- Bryce Bennett, 43, Goldendale, WA
- Samuel Ramirez Guerra, 31, Brush Prairie, WA
- Michael Walton, 42, Portland, OR
- Jonathan Mahn, 57, Liberty Lake, WA
- Timothy Evers, 61, Eugene, OR
- Nicorie Wade, 39, Medina, NY
- Colin Ferguson, 41, Beaverton, OR
- Victor Gurrola, 31, Longview, WA
- James Voreis, 40, Vancouver, WA
Since its initial operation in August 2015, the task force has made over 350 arrests and rescued several children from perilous situations.
To determine which criminal charges to file, the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will analyze the cases.
Anyone with information about the suspects or possible victims can contact them at mectf@wsp.wa.gov.
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