Dedicated to the citizens of Mason County, Washington since 1886
Dedicated to the citizens of Mason County, Washington since 1886
Three Mason County residents were among 12 arrested in Lewis County last weekend as part of “Operation Net Nanny,” a multi-agency operation identifying people allegedly involved in the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
According to a news release, Zachary Case, 21, of Belfair, Wayne A. Rigby, 72, of Shelton and Antonio T. Nolasco, 36, of Shelton, were all taken into custody. The primary crimes being investigated are rape of a child in the first degree, rape of a child in the second degree, communication with a minor for immoral purposes and sexual exploitation of a minor.
The case is being reviewed by the Lewis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to determine which criminal charges will be filed.
“It is unfortunate that there are some that are actively preying on children. However, it is reassuring to know that so many agencies are willing to respond to help hold those people accountable,” Lewis County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer said in a news release. “We are thankful for the federal and state agencies that conducted this operation and the support of multiple local agencies. Coordination of law enforcement partners is vital to help ensure the safety of the people of Lewis County.”
This is the 20th operation by WSP’s Missing and Exploited Children Task Force, an Internet Crimes Against Children affiliate. The task force has resulted in 312 arrests and removed more than 31 children from danger across the state.
“The online world’s ability to connect us all has proven to be invaluable over these past few years, yet, it also provides an avenue for criminals to reach into our homes, and more worrisome, our children, in ways we previously never imagined,” WSP Chief John Batiste said in a news release. “This horrific reality only enhances the need for these kinds of proactive investigations by law enforcement to combat these terrible crimes. There is nothing more important than safeguarding and protecting our community’s most innocent and vulnerable: our children.”
Of the 12 arrested, five are from Lewis County, three are from Mason County, two are from Thurston County and one from each Clark and Cowlitz county.
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