A recent “Net Nanny” operation led by the Washington State Patrol in Jefferson County resulted in the arrest of 10 suspected sexual predators and the identification of seven possible victims of sex crimes against children, according to a news release from the state patrol.
The multi-day operation resulted in the arrest of 10 men: Thomas E. Gale, 53, of Port Townsend; Michael E. Punt, of Bremerton; Andrew M. Worley, 34, of Sequim; David L. Sprague, 34, of Sequim; Richard J. Bertolacci, 77, of Bremerton; Isaac J. Boyd, 21, of Sequim; Timothy J. Rondeau, 48, of Quilcene; Michael Schluetz, 65, of Hoodsport; Ming Lee, 20, of Auburn; and Clinton R. Caldwell, 67, Sequim.
The men were arrested on investigation of charges including rape or attempted rape of a child, commercial sexual abuse of a minor, communication with a minor for immoral purposes, involving a person under 18 in a transaction related to an unlawful controlled substance and distribution to persons under 18, according to the state patrol.
“Sexual predators are using the internet to target our most vulnerable members of our community,” says WSP Chief John R. Batiste. “This operation not only protects our children from dangerous criminals but also makes our communities safer by taking these predators off the streets.”
Operation “Net Nanny” was initiated by the Washington State Patrol in 2015. Since then, the WSP Missing and Exploited Children Task Force and Internet Crimes Against Children divisions spearhead the large investigations coordinating with local, state and federal law enforcement.
Over a four-day operation, undercover officers used the internet to find individuals expressing interest in sexual contact with children. Police then arrested would-be perpetrators.
Clallam County Sheriff Bill Benedict said, “I would like to thank the Washington State Patrol and our other partner agencies working together to bring sexual predators to justice. There should be no tolerance for those who prey on the young and the innocent.”
