BATTLE GROUND, WA — Twelve individuals were taken into custody in Battle Ground over the weekend during a multi-agency child exploitation operation led by the Washington State Patrol’s Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF).
The operation, known as Operation Battle Ground, was carried out in partnership with local Clark County law enforcement, the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and several federal agencies including the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations. More than 60 officers and agents from multiple jurisdictions assisted in the effort.
According to WSP, those arrested face charges including 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 Prosecutor will review the cases to determine which charges will be filed.
The following individuals were taken into custody:
- John Yee, 48, Portland, OR
- Shadrick Monen, 24, Salem, OR
- Bakary Berete, 28, Portland, OR
- Bryce Bennett, 43, Goldendale, WA
- Samuel Ramirez Guerra, 31, Brush Prairie, WA
- Michael Walton, 42, Portland, OR
- Jonathan Mahn, 57, Liberty Lake, WA
- Timothy Evers, 61, Eugene, OR
- Nicorie Wade, 39, Medina, NY
- Colin Ferguson, 41, Beaverton, OR
- Victor Gurrola, 31, Longview, WA
- James Voreis, 40, Vancouver, WA
Since its launch in 2015, MECTF has made more than 350 arrests statewide, removing children from dangerous situations as part of its Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) mission.
“These targeted operations underscore the alarming extent of predators seeking to exploit children,” Battle Ground Police Chief Dennis Flynn said in a statement. “The collaborative work of the Missing and Exploited Children Task Force, along with the combined efforts of the many law enforcement agencies, is critical to confronting these crimes.”
Washington State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste commended the agencies involved, adding, “The safety of our children will always be our top priority, and this operation sends a clear message that child exploitation will not be tolerated in Battle Ground or anywhere else.”
Anyone with information related to the suspects or potential victims is encouraged to contact the Missing and Exploited Children Task Force at mectf@wsp.wa.gov.
