LYNNWOOD — Three Snohomish County men were arrested over the weekend in a police sting aimed at child-sex predators.
Two men from King County also were arrested in the four-day sting by the Washington State Patrol Missing and Exploited Children Task Force, one of whom works as a firefighter in Kitsap County. A King County man was apprehended last week.
All six suspects are accused of agreeing to pay for sex with girls as young as 8. State Patrol detectives had posed as the girls’ mother. The meet-ups were scheduled in the Lynnwood area.
The men face various charges for sex crimes, including child pornography found on some of their phones. The arrests came after hundreds of people responded to the detectives’ bogus online ads over the past few months, according to a news release by the State Patrol. Their work helped them identify three children who are believed to be victims of unreported abuse.
Detectives posing as the “mother” of the children in the sting encouraged one of the men to be discreet. He reportedly emailed back, “I agree! Can’t ruin our lives for living the way we want!” He also said he had access to other children who had been “trained” to perform sex acts.
He offered to bring the children to a meet-up.
“He stated he doesn’t bring them the first time because he has seen too many ‘Datelines’ and he knows to not bring anything specific,” according to the arrest report. “He stated once he knew Matt Lauer was not in the kitchen he would take (the victims) shopping, instead of bringing specific gifts or items.”
Another man, from Seattle, said he wanted to become the girls’ father and protector while also engaging in incest. He allegedly brought a $25 Macy’s gift card as payment.
Two of the men were from Everett and another was from Lynnwood. They all were scheduled for bail hearings Monday in Everett District Court. The Herald is not naming them because they have not been charged with crimes.
The task force relies on private donations to fund complex investigations, Sgt. Carlos Rodriguez said Monday. The team has two full-time people and detectives from other units help as they can.
“Without that ability, we wouldn’t be able to do the things we do,” he said. “Through donations we’re able to work more proactive cases.”
Those interested in donating are asked to contact Lt. Michael Eggleston at Mike.Eggleston@wsp.wa.gov, 360-704-2422.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
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