A 24-year-old Bellevue man has been arrested after an investigation into the alleged sexual exploitation and trafficking of a missing 14-year-old girl.
In March, Bellevue Police Department (BPD) officers responded to an apartment unit in downtown Bellevue after reports of a disturbance, BPD announced.
During the investigation, officers arrested a suspect on domestic violence-related charges. Following the arrest, investigators identified the victim as a 14-year-old juvenile who had been reported missing out of Tacoma.
BPD continued its investigation into the case and uncovered evidence that led investigators to believe that the juvenile had been sexually exploited and trafficked by the suspect in both Bellevue and along Aurora Avenue in Seattle.
Search warrants turn up cash, narcotics from Bellevue suspect
On May 29, detectives arrested the suspect after a search warrant was served at his apartment. During the search, investigators seized roughly $8,000 in cash that was concealed within the unit. Detectives also found evidence that was consistent with promoting prostitution as well as suspected narcotics.
The suspect was booked into the King County Jail for investigation of human trafficking in the second degree, promoting commercial sexual abuse of a minor, and third-degree rape of a child, which are all felonies.
On June 2, during BPD’s ongoing investigation, detectives executed a search warrant on the suspect’s vehicle. Investigators recovered a loaded semi-automatic pistol, ammunition, and suspected narcotics packaged in a way that is consistent with sales and distribution.
BPD noted that the suspect is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms.
“This case reflects the dedication of our officers and detectives in identifying and protecting vulnerable victims while holding offenders accountable,” Bellevue Police Chief Wendell Shirley stated. “Human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children are among the most heinous crimes we investigate, and we remain committed to working with our partners to identify victims, support their recovery, and pursue those who prey upon them.”
MyNorthwest is not naming the suspect because he has not been formally charged.
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