North Sound News

8 men arrested in underage sex sting

Eight men were arrested in Snohomish County over the weekend in an underage sex sting operation known as Operation Anvil.

The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office said the men, who range from 26 to 60 years old, all responded to online ads placed by undercover detectives posing as a 15-year-old girl.

One suspect, a 30-year-old Seattle man, sent pictures of himself driving a school bus.  He showed up to meet who he believed was a 15-year-old girl while still driving the school bus. Instead, he was met by undercover detectives.

A second suspect, a 34-year-old Bothell man, admitted to undercover detectives that he was a teacher.

The operation, which was completed with the help of the U.S. Marshals Service, began Thursday night and ended with the last arrest at about 1 a.m. Sunday.

The following suspects were arrested and booked:

  • 36-year-old Mountlake Terrace man, booked for 3rd degree attempted rape of a child
  • 26-year-old Marysville man, booked for 3rd degree attempted rape of a child
  • 35-year-old Snohomish man, booked for 3rd degree attempted rape of a child and commercial sexual abuse of a minor
  • 30-year-old Seattle man, booked for 3rd degree attempted rape of a child
  • 51-year-old Everett man, booked for 3rd degree attempted rape of a child and commercial sexual abuse of a minor
  • 60-year-old Edmonds man, booked for 3rd degree attempted rape of a child
  • 27-year-old St. Louis (Missouri) man, booked for 3rd degree attempted rape of a child
  • 34-year-old Bothell man, booked for 3rd degree attempted rape of a child and communication with a minor for immoral purposes

Detectives are processing evidence collected in the sting operation, including cellphones and vehicles.

The Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Unit investigates child sexual abuse cases and other crimes against children, including sex crimes via computer.