The multi-day operation involved the Washington State Patrol (WSP), local Clark County law enforcement agencies, and several partner agencies
BATTLE GROUND – Twelve individuals were taken into custody in Battle Ground this weekend as part of a multi-agency operation identifying those allegedly involved in the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
The multi-day operation involved the Washington State Patrol (WSP), 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.
Dubbed “Operation Battle Ground,” this operation was spearheaded by the WSP’s Missing and
Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF), an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) affiliate. Since the first operation in August 2015, MECTF has netted over 350 arrests and removed numerous children from danger across the state because of police intervention.
“These targeted operations underscore the alarming extent of predators seeking to exploit children,” said Battle Ground Chief of Police Dennis Flynn. “The collaborative work of the Missing and Exploited Children Task Force, along with the combined efforts of the twenty other law enforcement agencies, is critical to confronting these crimes. We remain steadfast in working alongside our partners to safeguard our youth from those who would exploit them.”
“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.”
Primary crimes investigated are:
• RCW 9A.44.073 – Rape of a child in the first-degree – attempt
• RCW 9A.44.076 – Rape of a child in the second degree – attempt
• RCW 9.68A.090 – Communication with a minor for immoral purposes
• RCW 9.68A.040 – Sexual Exploitation of a minor
The names of the individuals taken into custody during the operation were:
• YEE, John, 48, Portland, OR
• MONEN, Shadrick, 24, Salem, OR
• BERETE, Bakary, 28, Portland, OR
• BENNETT, Bryce, 43, Goldendale, WA
• RAMIREZ GUERRA, Samuel, 31, Brush Prairie, WA
• WALTON, Michael, 42, Portland, OR
• MAHN, Jonathan, 57, Liberty Lake, WA
• EVERS, Timothy, 61, Eugene, OR
• WADE, Nicorie, 39, Medina, NY
• FERGUSON, Colin, 41, Beaverton, OR
• GURROLA, Victor, 31, Longview, WA
• VOREIS, James, 40, Vancouver, WA
Anyone with information related to the suspects listed, or information leading to the identity of victims potentially involved in these cases, please contact METCF at mectf@wsp.wa.gov.
The collaborative effort involving more than 60 dedicated law enforcement officers, agents, and staff led to the success of this operation. Those agencies involved include:
• Battle Ground Police Department
• Camas Police Department
• Clark County Sheriff’s Office
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Homeland Security Investigations
• Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office
• Oregon State Police
• Othello Police Department
• Pierce County Sheriff’s Office
• Puyallup Police Department
• Redmond Police Department
• Renton Police Department
• Ridgefield Police Department
• Seattle Police Department
• Spokane Police Department
• United States Secret Service
• Vancouver Police Department
• Washington Department of Corrections
• Washougal Police Department
• Washington State Patrol
MECTF is a state law enforcement agency governed by RCW 13.60.110, and not designated as a 501(c)(3) charity. All donations made to MECTF go directly to MECTF and are used explicitly in the identification and safe recovery of exploited children, the investigation of those exploiting children, and successful apprehension and the prosecution thereof. Please consult with your tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service to determine if your donation is tax exempt. To donate and support MECTF, visit https://www.wsp.wa.gov/crime/mectf/
Information provided by the Washington State Patrol.
Also read:
- Letter: Interstate Bridge Replacement $13.6 billion estimate is too low!
Bob Ortblad argues the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program’s $13.6 billion cost estimate understates the true expense, citing comparable projects, construction challenges, and engineering assumptions. - Opinion: ‘The drama and the waste of taxpayer money continues’
Rep. John Ley outlines his objections to the approved fixed-span I-5 Bridge design, citing cost concerns, engineering standards, funding uncertainty, and opposition to light rail and tolls. - Coast Guard approves fixed-span design for new Interstate Bridge
The U.S. Coast Guard has approved a fixed-span design for the new Interstate Bridge, clearing a major hurdle for the Interstate Bridge Replacement project. - Business Profile: Handel’s Ice Cream opens its first shop in Washington, in Vancouver
Handel’s Ice Cream has opened its first Washington location in east Vancouver, with a grand opening planned for Jan. 17. - Opinion: Why vote no on the Battle Ground School District levy?
Dick Rylander outlines why he believes voters should reject the Battle Ground School District levy, citing costs, enrollment trends, test results, and district spending priorities. - Letter: The multi-million dollar cash grab in Washington schools
Yacolt resident Mark Rose argues that rising superintendent salaries conflict with classroom cuts and repeated levy requests in Clark County school districts. - Discover your future at WSU Vancouver’s Preview Day, Jan. 24
WSU Vancouver will host a free Preview Day on Jan. 24, offering prospective students and families an inside look at campus life and academic opportunities.
