In a recent sting operation by the Renton Police Department, seven men were apprehended for allegedly seeking to engage in sexual activities with minors. The department released the bodycam footage of the undercover arrests. Among the arrested is Alex Díaz Rios, an assistant principal with the Seattle Public Schools, as reported by MyNorthwest.

The operation, detailed by the Renton Police, involved detectives posing online as minors aged 13 and 15. The scale of the allegations is sobering. Prices offered by those arrested to allegedly purchase sex with a child ranged between $100 to $300, and in one instance, an offer included $75 and methamphetamine. This information comes from a report by KOMO News.

Alongside Rios, the individuals named in the charges included Joseph Earl Haufle, a two-time sex offender, Thang Pain Khai, and David A. Scott, as identified in court documents cited by MyNorthwest. The operation's success has highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Renton Police to address the scourge of child sex trafficking and its impacts on the community.

In speaking about the severity of the issue, "Obviously, it should not have to be said, but it is never OK to buy sex from a child,” Det. Meghan Braun said. “There are real kids out there being victimized every day. This isn’t a victimless crime that there are real consequences and it’s our job as the police and as a community to protect our children," KOMO News reported. The department further informed that children involved in sex trafficking face a death rate about 27% higher than the general population, and those engaged in commercial sex have a life expectancy of just seven years.