21 arrested in Snohomish County during ‘Operation Guardian’ for child sex crimes

Published 10:59 am Thursday, July 2, 2026

EVERETT — A multi-agency operation held in Snohomish County netted 21 arrests in connection with child sex crimes this week.

The Washington State Patrol’s Missing and Exploited Children Task Force spearheaded the days-long investigation, called “Operation Guardian,” according to a press release. Edmonds Police Department, among other law enforcement agencies from the county, state and federal partner agencies, were also involved.

“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 in the release. “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.”

The primary crimes law enforcement investigated were:

• First and second-degree rape of a child

• Commercial sexual abuse of a minor

• Communication with a minor for immoral purposes

• Sexual exploitation of a minor

• Unlawful possession of a firearm

Among the 21 arrests, 10 individuals were from Snohomish County.

The Edmonds police were proud to have served as the base of operations for the law enforcement team, said Assistant Chief Josh McClure of the Edmonds Police Department in the release.

“It has been our privilege to support this operation and the Task Force’s dedicated efforts to prevent child victimization in and around Edmonds,” he said.

The Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will review the cases to determine what potential criminal charges will be filed, the release said. Since the first Missing and Exploited Children Task Force operation in August 2015, the force has made nearly 400 arrests, according to the release.

Jenna Millikan: 425-339-3035; jenna.millikan@heraldnet.com. X: @JennaMillikan