21 Arrested in 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 arrests occurred this week“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 Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is reviewing cases for potential charges“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 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 was led by WSP's Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF)“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 local law enforcement and federal partners“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 MECTF is a legislatively funded 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. 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 MECTF has made nearly 400 arrests since its first operation in August 2015“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'“"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's success highlights ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation across Washington state“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 began June 29“The Lambdin Fire started on June 29, 2026, at approximately 10:20 a.m.”
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  The Lambdin Fire in Walla Walla County covers 1,500 acres“The Lambdin Fire started on June 29, 2026, at approximately 10:20 a.m. This fire is estimated at 1,500 acres and growing.”
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  The Lambdin Fire in Walla Walla County prompted a state fire mobilization“State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Lambdin Fire located in Walla Walla County, near Wallula Junction.”
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  The Lambdin Fire in Walla Walla County is not directly affecting Yakima residents“null”
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  A separate drive-by shooting on SR 509 in King County was 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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  Detectives are seeking information about the suspect vehicle“Detectives are seeking information to help identify the suspect vehicle.”
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  Yakima residents are not directly impacted by these incidents“null”