During a two-day operation beginning July 25, two individuals were arrested by the Washougal Police Department, whose mission focused on identifying individuals seeking to sexually exploit children.
The Washougal Police Department conducted the operation using undercover online communications. During the investigation, suspects negotiated and arranged to meet with (what they believed to be) a minor child to exchange money for sexual activity. No actual minor was involved in undercover communications.
Two suspects arrived separately at a predetermined location in Washougal and were taken into custody by Washougal police officers.
The individuals arrested during the operation were:
- Ryan A. Culvert, (DOB 11/19/1993), Hillsboro, Oregon
- William Galeana Yovis, (DOB 11/25/2000), Beaverton, Oregon
The primary offenses investigated were:
- RCW 9A.44.073, as charged through RCW 9A.28.020 – Attempted Rape of a Child in the First Degree
- RCW 9.68A.100, as charged through RCW 9A.28.020 – Attempted Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor
Both suspects were booked into the Clark County Jail on suspicion of the listed offenses. The Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will review the investigations and make final charging decisions.
The operation involved 11 Washougal Police Department personnel, one undercover communicator, one arrest team, and two operational locations. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information concerning these suspects or other suspected exploitation of children is encouraged to contact the Washougal Police Department at [email protected] or other jurisdictions as appropriate.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Information provided by the city of Washougal.
