SEATTLE (AP) — Washington state authorities say six people have been arrested in an undercover operation targeting suspects who exploit children online.
The Seattle Times reports that the Washington State Patrol says the suspects were arrested in Snohomish County on Sunday after the group had made arrangements to meet with undercover detectives online.
Authorities say the operation revealed evidence indicating there were at least three child victims.
The identities of those arrested have not yet been released. They are being investigated on suspicion of several charges, including child rape, commercial sex abuse of a minor and child pornography.
The operation was a collaborative effort by the Patrol’s Missing and Exploited Children Task Force, the FBI, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office and the state Attorney General’s Office.