WA child exploitation operation nets 12 arrests

The Brief

A multi-agency operation in Battle Ground resulted in the arrest of 12 people allegedly involved in the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

The operation was spearheaded by the Washington State Patrol's Missing and Exploited Children Task Force and involved over 60 law enforcement officers.

Since the first operation in August 2015, the task force has made over 350 arrests and rescued numerous children across the state.

Twelve people were arrested over the weekend in Battle Ground, Wash. as part of an operation targeting people accused of sexual abuse and exploitation of children .

What we know:

The multi-day operation, called "Operation Battle Ground," was led by the Washington State Patrol's (WSP) Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF). The task force