Weekend arrest the result of multi-agency focus on missing and exploited children
information released by Washington State Patrol
Twelve individuals were taken into custody in Chelan and Douglas Counties this weekend (7/26- 7/28) as part of a multi-agency operation identifying those allegedly involved in the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
The multi-day operation involved the Washington State Patrol (WSP), U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, Chelan County Prosecuting Attorney, Wenatchee Police Department, East Wenatchee Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Prosecuting Attorney, U.S. Border Patrol, Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office, Stevens County Sheriff’s Office, Othello Police Department, Spokane Police Department, Seattle Police Department, Redmond Police Department, Department of Justice – United States Attorney’s Office, Tacoma Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The cases will be reviewed by Chelan and Douglas County Prosecuting Attorney’s Offices to determine which potential criminal charges will be filed.
“I know all of my fellow law enforcement leaders agree that there is nothing more important than safeguarding and protecting our community’s most innocent and vulnerable individuals – our children,” said WSP Chief John R. Batiste. “It is reassuring to know that so many agencies will respond so we can hold those who might target our kids accountable. The local community can be very thankful for the each of the federal, state, county and local agencies involved for their leadership, participation, and support of this very successful operation.”
Dubbed “Operation Net Nanny,” this is the 22nd operation spearheaded by the WSP’s Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF), an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) affiliate. Since the first operation in August 2015, MECTF has netted a total of 334 arrests since it began and removed numerous children from danger across the state because of police intervention. MECTF’s primary mission during the operation is to proactively target those persons involved in child abuse and child exploitation via the Internet.
“The online world’s ability to connect us all has proven to be invaluable over these past many years. Tragically, it also provides an avenue for criminals to reach into our homes, and more worrisome, into the lives of our children, in ways previously never imagined,” said Chief Batiste. “This horrific reality only enhances the need for this kind of coordination and proactive investigation by law enforcement to combat these terrible crimes.”
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.090 – Communication with a minor for immoral purposes
- RCW 9.68A.100 – Commercial sexual abuse of a minor – attempt
The names of the individuals arrested and charged during the operation were:
- OLSEN, Artem, 22, Leavenworth, WA
- AVILEZ, Alberto, 41, East Wenatchee, WA
- SULAK, Raymond, 63, Port Orchard, WA
- ALCARAZ CEBALLOS, J. Guadalupe, 42, Wenatchee, WA
- SEA, Jacob, 26, East Wenatchee, WA
- BARNETT, Jacob, 30, Wenatchee, WA
- EPOCH, Travis, 34, East Wenatchee, WA
- ALVAREZ, Eusebio, 25, East Wenatchee, WA
- MCWHINNEY, Patrick, 35, Wenatchee, WA
- ASHMORE, Mark, 50, East Wenatchee, WA
- ANGEL, Jonatan, 28, Spokane Valley, WA
- ROQUEROQUE, Timoteo, 31, East Wenatchee, WA
Anyone with information related to the suspects listed, or information leading to the identity of victims potentially involved in these cases, please contact MECTF at mectf@wsp.wa.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q – What is MECTF?
A – WSP’s Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF), is an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) affiliate and is a state law enforcement agency governed by RCW 13.60.110.
Q – Can I support MECTF personally?
A – MECTF can accept community support but is not designated as a 501(c)(3) charity. All donations made to MECTF go directly to MECTF and are used explicitly in the identification and safe recovery of exploited children, the investigation of those exploiting children, and successful apprehension and the prosecution thereof. 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 https://www.wsp.wa.gov/crime/mectf/.
