Twenty-one individuals were arrested in Snohomish County as part of a multi-agency operation targeting child exploitation, according to Washington State Patrol records.
The operation, named 'Operation Guardian,' involved the Washington State Patrol, Edmonds Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies. The Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF) spearheaded the effort, which has led to nearly 400 arrests since 2015. The Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney's Office will determine criminal charges.
The Yakima Police Department was not involved in this operation. The operation took place in Snohomish County, not Yakima, so it does not impact Yakima residents directly.