Thursday, November 14, 2024

12 arrested in multi-agency child exploitation sting

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WENATCHEE - A multi-agency operation targeting individuals allegedly involved in sexual abuse and exploitation of children led to the arrest of 12 people in Chelan and Douglas Counties over the weekend.

The operation, dubbed "Net Nanny," was spearheaded by the Washington State Patrol's (WSP) Missing and Exploited Children Task Force. It marks the 22nd such operation conducted by the task force, which has resulted in 333 arrests since its inception.

"I know all my fellow law enforcement leaders agree that there is nothing more important than safeguarding and protecting our community's most innocent and vulnerable individuals - our children," said WSP Chief John R. Batiste. "As the Chief of the Washington State Patrol, I couldn't be more proud of the outcomes of this operation and the teamwork displayed. The local community can be very thankful for the each of the federal, state, county and local agencies involved for their leadership, partnership, and support of this very successful operation."

The operation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, Douglas County Prosecutor's Office, Wenatchee Police Department, and several others.

Authorities released the names of the 12 individuals arrested and charged during the operation:

1. Anton Olsen, 22, Leavenworth
2. Alberto Aviliz, 41, East Wenatchee
3. Raymond Sulak, 61, Port Orchard
4. J. Guadalupe Alcaraz Ceballos, 42, Wenatchee
5. Jacob Sea, 26, East Wenatchee
6. Jacob Barnett, 30, Wenatchee
7. Travis Efcoli, 34, East Wenatchee
8. Eusebio Alvarez, 25, East Wenatchee
9. Patrick McWhinney, 35, Wenatchee
10. Mark Ashmore, 50, East Wenatchee
11. Isadoro Angel, 28, Spokane Valley
12. Tristian Rodriguez, 31, East Wenatchee

Chief Batiste emphasized the ongoing threat posed by online predators, stating, "The online world's ability to connect us all has proven to be invaluable over these past many years. Tragically, it also provides an avenue for criminals to reach into our homes, and more worrisome, into the lives of our children, in ways previously never imagined."

Authorities reported that the primary crimes investigated during the operation included:

- RCW 9A.44.073 - Rape of a child in the first degree - attempt
- RCW 9A.44.076 - Rape of a child in the second degree - attempt
- RCW 9.68A.090 - Communication with a minor for immoral purposes
- RCW 9.68A.100 - Commercial sexual abuse of a minor - attempt

Law enforcement officials urge anyone with information related to the suspects or potential victims to contact the WSP's Missing and Exploited Children Task Force at mectf@wsp.wa.gov.

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