WA’s ‘Operation Battle Ground’ arrests 12 suspects for child exploitation
Aug 27, 2025, 5:13 PM | Updated: 5:14 pm
A Washington State Patrol vehicle. (Photo: Andrew Kim via Flickr Creative Commons)
(Photo: Andrew Kim via Flickr Creative Commons)
Twelve suspects were taken into custody in Battle Ground this weekend as part of a multi-agency operation to apprehend individuals involved in the sexual abuse and exploitation of children, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) announced.
“Operation Battle Ground” was a multi-day operation that began in August 2015. The WSP Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF) gathered more than 350 arrests while removing numerous children from danger across Washington.
“These targeted operations underscore the alarming extent of predators seeking to exploit children,” Battle Ground Chief of Police Dennis Flynn stated. “The collaborative work of the MECTF, along with the combined efforts of the 20 other law enforcement agencies, is critical to confronting these crimes. We remain steadfast in working alongside our partners to safeguard our youth from those who would exploit them.”
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The crimes investigated within Operation Battle Ground include attempted rape of a child in the first and second degree, communication with a minor for immoral purposes, and sexual exploitation of a minor.
The Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will review each case and determine if potential criminal charges will be filed.
The operation was led by WSP’s MECTF, an Internet Crimes Against Children affiliate, and more than 60 law enforcement officers, agents, and staff across Washington.
Anyone with information related to the suspects listed or information leading to the identity of victims potentially involved in these cases is urged to contact MECTF at mectf@wsp.wa.gov.
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