Skagit County Prosecutor Rich Weyrich commended the joint effort, saying, “On behalf of the citizens of Skagit County, I would like to thank state, federal and local law enforcement for their work in the successful apprehension of a number of individuals who were attempting to take advantage of our most vulnerable—the children of Skagit County.”
Mount Vernon Police Chief Daniel Christman echoed Weyrich’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of such collaborative operations in protecting the community. “Efforts like the Child Exploitation Operation are remarkable because they intercept adults who target children for sexual gratification,” Christman said. “I am very proud of the members of the Mount Vernon Police Department, Washington State Patrol, and our local law enforcement partners who all helped to identify, arrest, and build strong cases against sexual predators who use the internet to exploit and abuse our children.”
The primary charges under investigation include attempted rape of a child in the first and second degrees, communication with a minor for immoral purposes, and the sexual exploitation of a minor.
The primary charges under investigation include attempted rape of a child in the first and second degrees, communication with a minor for immoral purposes, and the sexual exploitation of a minor.
The individuals arrested in the operation include:
Anthony Eaton, 35, Seattle, WA
Gregory Hardy, 36, Burlington, WA
Dylan Jones, 33, Puyallup, WA
Christopher Kay, 40, Sedro-Woolley, WA
Domingo Lopez Flores, 34, Lake Stevens, WA
Luke Lukens, 44, Mount Vernon, WA
Peter Medellin, 39, Sedro-Woolley, WA
Cody Mitchell, 37, Ferndale, WA
Almar Nobriga, 62, Everett, WA
Abrahn Ramos, 31, Tulalip, WA
Ronald Romero Ramos, 25, Bellingham, WA
Steffon Schalesky, 34, Burlington, WA
Taylor Strauss, 34, Edmonds, WA
Ruben Thompson, 50, Renton, WA
Anyone with information related to the suspects or additional victims is encouraged to contact the Missing and Exploited Children Task Force