The Seattle Police Department, Lake Stevens Police Department, and the Washington State Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force worked together to arrest a 32-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman from Lake Stevens on Wednesday. The arrests followed an investigation into a case involving a 4-year-old victim who may have been sexually exploited, according to the Seattle Police Department.
On Wednesday, the Seattle Police Department's Internet Crimes Against Children Unit received a 'Priority 1' CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tip, which indicated possible harm to a child, led investigators to discover that Child Sexual Abuse Material was being produced and shared on a social media app. The Seattle Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children, leading a Washington State task force, worked with other state agencies, including the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations.
The Snohomish County Violent Offenders Task Force arrested suspects in Lake Stevens after gathering sufficient evidence, leading to the rescue of a child. Lt. Ben Morrison, Commander of the Seattle Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children and Washington Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, stated, "This was a swift and thorough response that exemplifies the collaborative nature of the WA State ICAC Task Force in its efforts to protect children." The suspects have admitted to offenses including bestiality and the distribution of sexual depictions of a minor. Additional charges are expected as the investigation continues. The suspects have been booked into the Snohomish County Jail, and the identities of those involved have not been released.
