Battle Ground child exploitation operation leads to 12 arrests

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 [email protected].

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.