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State Patrol: 20 sexual predators arrested in 'Net Nanny' sting

BREMERTON, Wash. — Twenty sexual predators who authorities say targeted children in Kitsap County were arrested after a multi-day operation called Net Nanny.

The Washington State Patrol said in addition, 18 children were identified as potential victims of sex abuse crimes.

Police said they communicated with people on various websites who were interested in having sex with children. The operation generated hundreds of responses. The suspects who were arrested traveled to meet with undercover detectives posing as young girls and boys with the plan to have sex with them, the state patrol said.

In addition to the 20 suspects who were arrested, eight suspects have been identified as having access to children who were at risk of being abused.  Additional follow-up investigations are underway to identify the children and arrange help for any abuse they may have been exposed to.

The Net Nanny operation originated in Kitsap County. Since the original August 2015 operation, there have been eight additional operations in Washington. The state patrol’s Missing and Exploited Children Task Force spearheads the operation that includes partners in federal, state, and local law enforcement.

The operations have led to 135 arrests and rescued 22 child victims throughout the state. 
 
"The internet has become a hunting ground for sexual predators that are targeting our vulnerable children," said WSP Chief John R. Batiste. "This multi-agency operation is taking dangerous individuals off the streets and making communities safer for families."