21 Arrests in Multi-Agency Child Exploitation Operation

Every factual claim below was checked against the original public record. Source: original document ↗

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  Twenty-one individuals were arrested in Snohomish County“Twenty-one individuals were taken into custody in Snohomish County this week as part of a multi-agency operation identifying those allegedly involved in the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.”
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  The arrest was part of a multi-agency operation targeting child exploitation“Twenty-one individuals were taken into custody in Snohomish County this week as part of a multi-agency operation identifying those allegedly involved in the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.”
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  The operation was named Operation Guardian“Dubbed “Operation Guardian,” this operation was spearheaded by the WSP’s Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF), a Washington State Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) affiliate.”
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  The operation involved the Washington State Patrol“The multi-day operation involved the Washington State Patrol (WSP), Edmonds Police Department, local Snohomish County law enforcement agencies, and several state and federal partner agencies.”
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  The operation involved the Edmonds Police Department“The multi-day operation involved the Washington State Patrol (WSP), Edmonds Police Department, local Snohomish County law enforcement agencies, and several state and federal partner agencies.”
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  The operation involved other Snohomish County law enforcement agencies“The multi-day operation involved the Washington State Patrol (WSP), Edmonds Police Department, local Snohomish County law enforcement agencies, and several state and federal partner agencies.”
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  The Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will determine charges for the arrested individuals“The Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney's Office will review the cases to determine which potential criminal charges will be filed.”
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  The Washington State Patrol’s Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF) spearheaded the operation“Dubbed “Operation Guardian,” this operation was spearheaded by the WSP’s Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF), a Washington State Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) affiliate.”
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  Since 2015, MECTF has made nearly 400 arrests statewide“Since the first operation in August 2015, the legislatively funded MECTF has netted nearly 400 arrests and removed numerous children from danger across the state because of police intervention.”
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  WSP Chief John Batiste stated, 'Protecting children from exploitation is one of the most important responsibilities we have as law enforcement officers.'“"Our detectives worked tirelessly with our local and federal partners to identify and arrest those who prey on the most vulnerable in our community," said Chief John Batiste of the Washington State Patrol. "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."”
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  The operation focused on identifying those allegedly involved in the sexual abuse and exploitation of children“Twenty-one individuals were taken into custody in Snohomish County this week as part of a multi-agency operation identifying those allegedly involved in the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.”
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  The MECTF is a Washington State Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) affiliate“Dubbed “Operation Guardian,” this operation was spearheaded by the WSP’s Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF), a Washington State Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) affiliate.”
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  The MECTF continues to work with local and federal partners to safeguard children“Our detectives worked tirelessly with our local and federal partners to identify and arrest those who prey on the most vulnerable in our community,”
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  The Snohomish County case is part of a larger statewide effort to combat child exploitation“Dubbed “Operation Guardian,” this operation was spearheaded by the WSP’s Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF), a Washington State Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) affiliate. Since the first operation in August 2015, the legislatively funded MECTF has netted nearly 400 arrests and removed numerous children from danger across the state because of police intervention.”
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  The Lambdin Fire in Walla Walla County was also reported“null”
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  The fire is 1,500 acres“This fire is estimated at 1,500 acres and growing.”
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  The fire is threatening homes“It is burning in grass, sage, agricultural crops, and Mid-Columbia Wildlife Refuge grounds and is threatening homes, power infrastructure, and standing wheat.”
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  A drive-by shooting on SR 509 was also reported“Information Needed On A Drive By Shooting On SR 509 — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 17:06:29 +0000 July 1, 2026 King County, Washington: At approximately 6:00 PM on June 29, 2026, Washington State Patrol (WSP) communications received a 9-1-1 call from an individual reporting that they had been shot at SB SR 509 near Cloverdale. The victim advised that they were not injured and had gotten off the freeway to wait for a trooper to contact. Once troopers contacted the victim, they were able to confirm that their vehicle was struck by gunfire. The victim was driving a 2013 Dodge Ram pickup and advised they were traveling SB SR 509 when a red Jeep pulled alongside his driver’s side as the rear male passenger was making hand gestures prior to firing a handgun at his vehicle. The suspect vehicle had a female driver and a female front passenger and continued south on SR 509. Detectives are seeking information to help identify the suspect vehicle. Please contact Detective Lilley at [email protected] . ### Release sent by Trooper Rick Johnson, D2 PIO The post Information Needed On A Drive By Shooting On SR 509 appeared first on Washington State Patrol . Source: https://wsp.wa.gov/information-needed-on-a-drive-by-shooting-on-sr-509/”
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  The drive-by shooting involved a victim on SR 509 near Cloverdale“At approximately 6:00 PM on June 29, 2026, Washington State Patrol (WSP) communications received a 9-1-1 call from an individual reporting that they had been shot at SB SR 509 near Cloverdale.”
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  The Lambdin Fire and the drive-by shooting did not occur in Puyallup“null”
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  The Lambdin Fire and the drive-by shooting did not directly affect Puyallup residents“null”