Firefighter reportedly among 6 arrested for sex crimes against children following WSP sting

SNOHOMISH COUNTY – An online child-pornography sting operation led by the Washington State generated hundreds of responses and eventually resulted in six people being arrested - including a Kitsap County firefighter, according to the Kitsap Sun.

The WSP said the operation, which wrapped up Sunday, led to charges including commercial sexual abuse of a minor, child rape, sexual abuse of a minor and child pornography.

Undercover troopers chatted online with people interested in sexually exploiting children. They said they convinced six of the hundreds who responded to meet up in person, at which time they were arrested.

The Sun reported that Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue's Kevin Best was among those arrested. Best was reportedly charged with first-degree attempted rape of a child, and commercial sexual abuse of a minor.

Troopers said they found at least three victims, and that the investigation is ongoing.

This was the third such operation in the state in the last two years. All told, 27 people have been arrested as a result.