Everett police arrest 2 people suspected of trafficking, exploiting minors

Everett police have arrested two people for allegedly trafficking and exploiting minors.

Police said the suspects used dating sites to arrange paid sexual encounters for a 17-year-old girl—and may have trafficked others, including a 13-year-old.

“The investigation determined the victim had posted a story to Instagram in late June,” Everett Police stated in a Facebook post. “The suspect, a 20-year-old male, messaged the victim and stated, ‘Let’s make some money together.’”

According to police, the man told the girl she could go on “plays” with men and make hundreds of dollars each time.

“Plays” was a code word for sexual encounters for money, police said.

The man set up an online dating profile for the girl, to which she did not have access, police said.

“It was operated by the male and his partner, a 22-year-old female,” the post stated. “Both suspects would help to arrange dates for the victim, with the understanding there would be sexual transactions from which both parties would financially profit.”

Last month, the victim tried to quit. But police said the suspects were “verbally aggressive with the victim and threatened to collect her proceeds.”

“Further investigation determined the two suspects had 7-9 women working for them at a time, one of which was a minor as young as 13 years old,” the post stated.

Everett police: 2 suspects arrested in Kent

The two suspects were arrested in Kent on Wednesday.

“In an interview following arrest, the male arrestee stated he would specifically target girls who appeared to be struggling financially and did not have a supportive community,” the post stated. “These factors, in combination with their age, contributed to the victims’ susceptibility to the suspect’s efforts to recruit and influence them.”

The man and woman were booked into the Snohomish County Jail.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

Follow @FrankLenziKIRO