EVERETT — Everett police arrested two people on suspicion of trafficking a 17-year-old girl on Wednesday.
In late July, a police patrol officer responded to reports of a minor being trafficked, an Everett Police Department press release said. The victim disclosed to an acquaintance that she was being exploited by a couple through a dating site.
In late June, a 20-year-old man responded to an Instagram story the victim posted, writing, “Let’s make some money together.” The male suspect allegedly told the victim she could go on “plays,” code for sexual encounters in exchange for money, with wealthy men, the release said.
He met with the victim to set up an online dating profile for her. The victim did not have access to the website operated by the male suspect and his 22-year-old female partner. The couple would arrange dates for the victim where there would be sexual transactions, the release said.
The suspects created a fake backstory for the victim in which she was 19 years old, working at a restaurant and living with her parents while in nursing school, court documents said.
Both suspects would transport her across the Puget Sound area to meet clients. According to court documents, the suspects took 50% of the pay the victim received during a “play.”
In early August, the victim attempted to quit the operation after they asked her to pretend to be 12 to 13 years old, court documents said. The suspects were verbally aggressive in response and threatened to collect her share of the money.
Investigators determined the couple had seven to nine women, one as young as 13 years old, working with them, the release said.
One Wednesday, the Everett special assault unit, criminal intelligence unit, violent crime unit and anti-crime team took both suspects into custody in Kent. Following the arrest, the male suspect allegedly told officers he would target girls who appeared to be financially struggling and didn’t have a supportive community, the release said.
Officers booked both suspects into Snohomish County Jail on suspicion of promoting commercial sexual abuse of a minor, trafficking and communicating with a minor for immoral purposes.
“Offenders who prey on young women online exploit trust and cause lasting harm,” Everett Police Chief John DeRousse said in the release. “Holding them accountable is essential to protecting our community, sending a clear message that this behavior will not be tolerated and ensuring that our most vulnerable are safeguarded from those who would try to exploit them.”
The Bellevue Police Department, Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office, Seattle Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, King County Prosecutor’s Office, Kent Police Department and Puyallup Police Department assisted in the investigation.
Jenna Millikan: 425-339-3035; jenna.millikan@heraldnet.com; X: @JennaMillikan
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