Washington State Police: Battle Ground Child Exploitation Operation Leads To Arrests – KXL

BATTLE GROUND, WA – 12 people were taken into custody in Battle Ground last weekend as part of a multi-agency operation to identify those allegedly behind the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.  Dubbed “Operation Battle Ground,” the investigation was headed by WSP’s Missing and Exploited Children Task Force, which is part of the Internet Crimes Against Children.

“This operation is a powerful example of what we can accomplish when local, state, and federal agencies come together with a common goal: protecting our most vulnerable,” said Chief John Batiste.  “I want to commend every agency involved for their dedication, coordination, and relentless pursuit of justice. The safety of our children will always be our top priority, and this operation sends a clear message, child exploitation will not be tolerated in Battle Ground or anywhere else.”

The charges include sexual exploitation of a minor, attempted rape of a child in the first-degree and second-degree, and communication with a minor for immoral purposes.

The people taken into custody during the operation were John Yee, 48, of Portland; Shadrick Monen, 24, of Salem; Bakary Berete, 28, of Portland, OR; Bryce Bennett, 43, of Goldendale, WA; Samuel Ramirez Guerra, 31, of Brush Prairie, WA; Michael Walton, 42, of Portland, OR; Jonathan Mahn, 57, of Liberty Lake, WA; Timothy Evers, 61, Eugene, OR; Nicorie Wade, 39, Medina, NY; Colin Ferguson, 41, Beaverton, OR; Victor Gurrola, 31, Longview, WA; and James Voreis, 40, of Vancouver, WA.

The multi-day operation involved the Washington State Patrol, local Clark County law enforcement agencies, and several partner agencies.  The Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will review the cases to determine which potential criminal charges will be filed.