Seven Whatcom County residents were arrested on Friday February 23, for patronizing a prostitute while one King County resident was arrested for promoting prostitution in a multi-agency operation. Friday's arrests are the latest effort as law enforcement continues to work at reducing the demand for prostitutes and ending human trafficking.
The joint operational teams made contact with young women involved in prostitution, and those patronizing prostitutes through the use of undercover agents and detectives.
This joint operation was conducted by the Bellingham Police Department and the North-Central Sound Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF), which included agents and detectives from the FBI, and the Seattle Police Department. In addition, the Washington State Patrol and Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force provided invaluable assistance to the operation. The task forces strive to reduce the vulnerability of children to acts of sexual exploitation and abuse, and to strengthen the capabilities of federal, state, and local law enforcement through training programs and investigative assistance.
The victims in this case were offered services, and immediate medical and safety needs were addressed.
