21 arrested in Snohomish County in connection with sex crimes against minors

Twenty-one people were arrested this week in Snohomish County in connection with allegations of exploiting and sexually abusing children, according to Washington State Patrol.

The arrests came in a multi-day operation, dubbed Operation Guardian," that included the State Patrol, Edmonds Police Department and more than two dozen other law enforcement agencies.

Those arrested range in age from 22 to 65, according to a news release by the State Patrol. The crimes under investigation include allegations of attempted rape of a child in the first and second degree and sexual exploitation of a minor.

"Our detectives worked tirelessly with our local and federal partners to identify and arrest those who prey on the most vulnerable in our community," State Patrol Chief John Batiste said in a news release. Protecting children from exploitation is one of the most important responsibilities we have as law enforcement officers, and we will continue to pursue these offenders relentlessly."

The cases will be reviewed by the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to determine potential criminal charges, according to the news release.

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