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One of the 16 people arrested faces felony charges related to allegations of sex trafficking and promoting abuse of a minor. (Shutterstock)
BELLEVUE, WA An undercover operation in Bellevue last week led to the rescue of three young sex-trafficking victims and 16 arrests, the police department announced Tuesday. The arrests included 14 men booked on suspicion of patronizing a prostitute, another accused of illegal possession of a firearm and one woman accused of promoting prostitution. According to investigators, police also confiscated a loaded gun, drug paraphernalia and cash.
With help from the FBI and the King County Sheriff s Office, Bellevue police said the two-night sting was in response to increased sexual exploitation reports and escalating violence associated with the crimes.
More than a dozen people were arrested during the two-night operation. Author: KING 5 Staff Updated: 10:18 PM PST December 22, 2020
BELLEVUE, Wash. Three juvenile sex trafficking victims were recovered after a two-night undercover operation by the Bellevue Police Department.
Fourteen men were arrested for patronizing a prostitute, one for illegally possessing a gun, one for human trafficking and promoting commercial sexual abuse of a minor, and one female for investigation of promoting prostitution.
The victims were taken into protective custody during an operation on Dec. 16 and 17.
“We were able to recover three minor females and get them help. One of the minors told a social worker the arrest probably saved her life,” said Captain Dave Sanabria. “Sex traffickers target the most vulnerable; children, women of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We are committed to investigating and arresting traffickers and sex buyers for