Predators are targeting children across the state

Information from Washington State Patrol

Thirteen dangerous sexual predators who targeted children in Kittitas County were removed from the surrounding communities thanks to a multi-day operation run by the Washington State Patrol (WSP), and several local law enforcement partners and affiliates.

Dubbed “Operation Net Nanny,” this was the 14th operation around the state with a mission to proactively target those persons involved in child abuse and child exploitation via the internet. In addition to the identified suspects, detectives believe two suspects have been recognized as having access to other children at risk of being abused. Supplemental follow-up investigations are currently underway to identify those children and arrange for the appropriate assistance for any abuse they may have been exposed to.

The Net Nanny operations began in August of 2015 by the WSP. Since the original operation, there have been 13 additional operations throughout Washington State. The WSP Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF), an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) affiliate, spearheads the multi-agency operation that includes partners in federal, state, and local law enforcement.

The “Net Nanny” series, conducted throughout the state of Washington, has now netted a total of 221 arrests and rescued over 30 identified child victims throughout the state.

“While the Internet is a powerful tool for our nation, criminals are also using it to target our communities. This necessitates a need for this type of proactive, multi-agency operation in order to combat these horrible crimes,” says WSP Chief John R. Batiste. “This operation is protecting our vulnerable children and making communities safer.”

Gene Dana, Kittitas County Sheriff: “Our mission and duty is to protect all people. This opportunity allowed a team to focus on those that use the internet who prey on and sexually abuse children in our community.  This operation has resulted in numerous arrests. Some of those arrested may have already committed crimes against children and detectives are currently following up on those cases.  Our hope is that these efforts will act as a deterrent and prevent future violations in our county. ”

Ken Wade, Ellensburg Police Chief: “There is no greater responsibility for a police department then the protection of our community and the children we so cherish from being victimized by Sexual Predators. This operation should send a clear message that these crimes will not be tolerated anywhere in our society and I greatly appreciate the tireless, difficult work members of this investigation put forth to keep our children safe”

 Undercover Law enforcement officers communicated on the internet through various websites and mobile phone applications with people interested in having sex with children. The operation generated hundreds of responses. The would-be perpetrators who were arrested over the five-day operation traveled to meet with undercover detectives posing as young girls and boys with the intent to engage in sexual activity with children as young as three years old.

Primary crimes investigated are:

  • RCW 9A.44.073 – Rape of a child in the first degree – attempt
  • RCW 9A.44.076 – Rape of a child in the second degree – attempt
  • RCW 9.68A.100 – Commercial sexual abuse of a minor
  • RCW 9.68A.070 – Possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct
  • RCW 9.68A.050 – Dealing in depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct
  • RCW 9.68A.090 – Communication with a minor for immoral purposes
  • RCW 69.50.4015 – Involving a person under 18 in unlawful controlled substance transaction
  • RCW 69.50.406 – Distribution to persons under age 18

The names of the individuals arrested during the operation are:

  • Camacho, Carlos J., 36, Union Gap, WA
  • Lindral, John C., 65, Easton, WA
  • Rankin, Andrew R., 31, Yakima, WA
  • Rex, Nathan A., 30, Ellensburg, WA
  • Quiroz, Tommy Joel Paul, 32, Yakima, WA
  • Martinez, Omar A., 24, Pasco, WA
  • Pierce, Edward E., 42, Tacoma, WA
  • Conklin, William O., 31, Ellensburg, WA
  • Avila, Roberto, 23, Quincy, WA
  • Gilson, Donald D., 36, Ellensburg, WA
  • Mendoza, Juan R., 29, Richland, WA
  • Flores, Guadalupe M., 22, Granger, WA
  • Geyer, Joseph E., 32, Ellensburg, WA

The collaborative effort involving over 60 dedicated law enforcement officer, agents, and staff led to the success of this operation. Those agencies involved:

  • Washington State Patrol, Missing and Exploited Children Task Force
  • U.S. Homeland Security Investigations
  • Federal Bureau of Investigations Seattle and Tacoma Field Offices
  • Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force
  • Central Washington University Police Department
  • Ellensburg Police Department
  • Kittitas County Sheriff Office
  • Yakima Police Department
  • Law Enforcement Against Drugs (L.E.A.D.) – Yakima Drug Task Force
  • Washington State Attorney General’s Office
  • Washington State Patrol High Tech Crime Unit
  • Washington State Patrol Field Operation Bureau – District 6
  • Kittitas County Prosecutor’s Office
  • U.S Attorney Office, Eastern District of Washington

Anyone with information related to the suspects listed, or information leading to the identity of victims potentially involved in these cases please contact:

–        Ellensburg Police Department

o   509-962-7280

–        Kittitas Sheriff Office

o   509-933-8206

–        Washington State Patrol, MECTF

o   mectf@wsp.wa.gov

About MECTF:

MECTF is a state law enforcement agency governed by RCW 13.60.110, and not designated as a 501 (c)(3) charity. Please consult with your tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service to determine if your donation is tax exempt.  To donate and support MECTF, please visit: http://www.wsp.wa.gov/crime/mectf/

The funding for this operation was made possible due in part by support from the public as well as a generous donation from Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.).  O.U.R. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) who shares the mission of law enforcement agencies to save children and see that child predators are arrested and prosecuted. O.U.R. is privileged and honored to partner with our nation’s law enforcement heroes in this important cause to combat the sexual exploitation of children in our nation’s communities.

All proceeds go directly to MECTF and are used explicitly in the identification and safe recovery of exploited children, the investigation of those sexually exploiting children, and successful apprehension and prosecution thereof.