Regional Operation Targets Child Exploitation
Three Coeur d’Alene residents were among 13 individuals arrested in a large-scale law enforcement operation targeting crimes involving the attempted sexual exploitation of minors. The operation, known as Operation Liberty Lake, was led by the Washington State Patrol’s Missing and Exploited Children Task Force, a division affiliated with Internet Crimes Against Children.
The multi-agency effort aimed to identify and apprehend individuals attempting to engage in criminal acts against minors through undercover operations. According to officials, law enforcement agencies created controlled environments where suspects allegedly sought to commit these crimes, allowing investigators to collect evidence and make arrests.
Multiple Agencies Involved
The task force coordinated with more than 20 agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Border Patrol, and multiple local police departments from Liberty Lake, Post Falls, and Spokane. The Spokane and Stevens County Sheriff’s Offices also participated.
Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste commended the effort, stating, “Protecting children from exploitation is one of the most important responsibilities we have as law enforcement officers, and we will continue to pursue these offenders relentlessly.”
Since the task force was established in 2015, officials report it has resulted in over 360 arrests.
Arrests and Charges
Among those taken into custody was Ilijah Jon Karasek, 23, a former Sandpoint resident now living in Spokane Valley. He is charged with second-degree attempted child rape and communication with a minor for immoral purposes, according to Spokane County Detention Services. Karasek remains in custody on a $100,000 bond and faces a potential life sentence if convicted.
Other individuals arrested include:
- Ted Whittaker, Coeur d’Alene
- Jennifer Whittaker, Coeur d’Alene
- Wesley Georgius, Coeur d’Alene
- Michael Ferguson, Spokane
- Michael Lewis, Fernwood, Idaho
- Rocky Dailey, Greenacres, Wash.
- Trenton Watkins, Spokane
- Marco Bosnich, Spokane
- John Johnson, Chattaroy, Wash.
- Kyle White, Spokane
- Dylan White, Rathdrum
- Eric Boomer-White, Spokane
Officials say additional arrests or charges may follow pending investigation results.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities encourage anyone with information about the suspects or potential victims connected to these cases to contact the Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF) at mectf@wsp.wa.gov.
The operation underscores ongoing cooperation between Idaho and Washington law enforcement agencies to combat crimes involving child exploitation and online predation.
Related Coverage
- Idaho News – https://idahonews.co/idaho-news-3/
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