EVERETT, SEPT. 12: Two individuals were arrested on suspicion of promoting commercial sexual abuse of multiple minors across the Puget Sound area.
The Everett Police Department Special Assault Unit arrested the two individuals in Kent on Wednesday, Sept. 10 in a multi-jurisdictional effort, according to a news release from Everett Police.
The investigation began in late July when an Everett patrol officer responded to a report of a minor being trafficked. The victim disclosed to an acquaintance that she was being exploited through a dating site, which led to an investigation involving multiple search warrants across the region.
Investigators determined that the suspects, a 20-year-old male and a 22-year-old female, first contacted the victim on Instagram before meeting her in person.
The pair allegedly created a fake dating profile for the victim, arranging meetings with older, affluent men across the Puget Sound area.
Both suspects would help to arrange dates with the understanding that there would be sexual transactions from which both parties would financially profit.
In early August, the victim attempted to leave the operation. At that time, the suspects reportedly became verbally aggressive and threatened to withhold payment.
Further investigation revealed that the suspects were exploiting as many as seven to nine additional women, including another minor as young as 13- years-old.
During a post-arrest interview, the male suspect admitted targeting women who appeared financially vulnerable and lacking community support, stating that he found them easier to recruit and influence.
Both suspects were booked into the Snohomish County Jail for promoting commercial sexual abuse of a minor, trafficking, and communicating with a minor for immoral purposes.
“Holding them accountable is essential to protecting our community,” Police Chief John DeRousse said. “We are sending a clear message that his behavior will not be tolerated, and ensuring that our most vulnerable are safeguarded from those who would try to exploit them.”