ELLENSBURG, Wash. – A 37-year-old Yakima man was arrested after attempting to pay for sex with a minor in Ellensburg, according to the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) in a release.
The arrest followed a human trafficking operation by KCSO on May 22-23 when investigators said the man became a person of interest during the operation but was not initially arrested.
However, he later expressed interest in paying for sex with a juvenile, prompting further investigation, said KCSO.
On the evening of Friday, May 30, investigators said the man arrived at a pre-arranged location in Ellensburg, expecting to meet a young girl. Instead, he was met by KCSO Deputies and Ellensburg Police Officers. He was arrested and booked into the Kittitas County Jail.
The man was formally charged on Monday, June 2, in Superior Court with Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor, Attempted Rape of a Child, and Communication with a Minor for Immoral Purposes.
Investigators said the operation underscores the commitment to preventing crimes against children and deterring potential offenders.
“Nothing we do is more important than looking out for kids,” Chief Deputy Ben Kokjer said. “We absolutely prioritize crimes against our community’s children and will take every opportunity to arrest and prosecute those looking to harm them.”
