Battle Ground Child Exploitation Operation Leads to 12 Arrests
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
www.wsp.wa.gov
• 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
Operation Battle Ground arrests 12 new suspects
The crimes investigated within Operation Battle Ground include attempted rape of a child in the first and second degree, communication with a minor for immoral purposes, and sexual exploitation of a minor.
The Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will review each case and determine if potential criminal charges will be filed.
The operation was led by WSP’s MECTF, an Internet Crimes Against Children affiliate, and more than 60 law enforcement officers, agents, and staff across Washington.
