Chelan County detectives assist in multi-agency child exploitation sting

Chelan County detectives arrested 13 individuals during "Operation Liberty Lake," a two-day sting targeting suspected child predators in the Spokane area. The operation, led by the Washington State Patrol's Missing and Exploited Children Task Force, involved local, state, and federal agencies working together to identify and apprehend individuals soliciting sex from minors online. Key figures in the operation included Detective Sergeant Brian Lewis and Detective Cy Bowthorpe, who helped secure critical search warrants. The suspects reside within driving distance of Chelan County, where similar crimes have been reported. Charges include attempted first- and second-degree rape of a child and sexual exploitation of a minor.

Sheriff Mike Morrison underscored the agency's commitment to protecting vulnerable populations through ongoing collaboration with partner agencies. Investigators are still looking into additional cases, with one suspect awaiting federal indictment. Authorities encourage anyone with information about the suspects or potential victims to reach out to the Washington State Patrol.