MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Skagit sex offender arrested after Facebook sting

Aug 30, 2012, 4:39 PM | Updated: 5:54 pm

A mother tipped police off to what she called the “dirty, violent and nasty” Facebook m...

A mother tipped police off to what she called the "dirty, violent and nasty" Facebook messages. (AP Photo/File)

(AP Photo/File)

A 19-year-old registered sex offender has been arrested in Skagit County after the mother of the girl he was dating set him up in a Facebook sting.

William Elms was arrested for felony immoral communication with a minor. Police say he sent lewd photos and talked about having sex with someone who he believed was a 15-year-old girl on Facebook.

The person behind the account was really the mother of the 17-year-old girl who Elms was dating. Police say she was unhappy that her daughter was dating a sex offender and wanted to get law enforcement involved.

She tipped police off to what she called the “dirty, violent and nasty” Facebook messages.

“You should not be in communication with someone who you believe is a minor and sending pictures of your genitalia,” said Sedro-Wooley Police Chief Doug Wood.

Elms was arrested Aug. 18 after being released from the Snohomish County Jail in Everett, where he was serving time for a probation violation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

MyNorthwest News

stolen excavator facebook marketplace...

MyNorthwest Staff

Man tries to sell stolen excavator on Facebook Marketplace, owner recognizes it

A man is facing charges after Pierce County deputies said he tried to sell a stolen excavator on Facebook Marketplace.

29 minutes ago

costco boon boona coffee renton...

MyNorthwest Staff

Renton-based coffee company lands deal to be sold in Puget Sound Costco locations

Renton-based Boon Boona Coffee is headed to Costco. The East African coffee roaster has landed a deal to sell its Bereka Blend in eight Puget Sound warehouses.

3 hours ago

fire semi-truck crash Kittitas county...

MyNorthwest Staff

Semi-truck crash causes fire on eastbound I-90 in Kittitas County Tuesday

A single semi-truck crashed on eastbound I-90 Tuesday afternoon, causing a fire.

4 hours ago

mt. baker highway winter...

KIRO 7 News Staff

Mt. Baker Highway closed Wednesday and Thursday, prepping for winter

Both directions of Mt. Baker Highway (SR 542) will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 30, and Thursday, Oct. 1, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

5 hours ago

wdfw black bear poach oso...

Frank Sumrall

WDFW seeks public’s help identifying two men who allegedly poached black bear in Oso

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is searching for two men allegedly caught on camera hunting while trespassing on private property.

6 hours ago

costco churro...

MyNorthwest Staff

Costco brings back beloved food court item for first time since 2024

Churros will return to every U.S. location for a limited time. Costco’s chief financial officer, Gary Millerchip, confirmed the news during an earnings call.

6 hours ago

Skagit sex offender arrested after Facebook sting