Agreement formalizes ongoing commitment to combat crimes against children
information released
Sheriff Mike Morrison reports on 09/13/2024 the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has entered into an Interagency Agreement with the Washington State Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force acting through the City of Seattle Police Department (SPD).
The Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) created the ICAC Task Force Program to assist State, County and Local Law Enforcement agencies in responding to technology facilitated child sexual exploitation cases. The program further offers support in digital forensics, investigative techniques, and specialized training to address these complex cases.
In early February of 2024, CCSO’s Investigative Unit launched a pioneering initiative to combat child abuse and exploitation occurring over the internet within Chelan County. This unprecedented operation, which spanned several months, culminated in a significant crackdown on offenders. In late July of 2024, CCSO’s Investigative Unit, in collaboration with the Washington State Patrol’s (WSP’s) Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF) and other key agencies, executed a similar joint operation dubbed “Net Nanny.”
Both operations successfully led to the arrest of several individuals across Chelan and Douglas County, but highlighted the need for additional resources to address these kinds of incidents. In light of these achievements and in an effort to address the need for additional resources, CCSO formalized its commitment to combating internet crimes against children through the above-mentioned interagency agreement. This agreement reaffirms CCSO’s dedication to find outside resources in a continuing effort to reduce the financial burden on taxpayers while ensuring the communities represented are done so in the most effective manner possible.
CCSO will continue to maintain its mission of being a steadfast ally to all its citizens, confronting those who would threaten their safety, and safeguarding justice and security for everyone. As CCSO continues to advance its efforts, we remain committed to the principle that offenders targeting our youth will be met with steady resolve and perseverance. Our goal is to protect and serve while remaining “Of the People. For the People.”
