A Vancouver man was one of 12 people arrested over the weekend during a multi-agency operation in Lewis County targeting those allegedly involved in the sexual exploitation of children. Gerry G. Greatreaks, 50, of Vancouver, was arrested in connection with the Washington State Patrol’s “Operation Net Nanny,” according to a news release. Detectives focused on investigating crimes of attempted first-degree or second-degree rape of a child, communication with a minor for immoral purposes and sexual exploitation of a child, the news release states. The State Patrol said it was assisted by law enforcement and other agencies in Lewis County over several days. The Lewis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will review the cases of those arrested to determine if charges will be filed. “It is unfortunate that there are some that are actively preying on children. However, it is reassuring to know that so many agencies are willing to respond to help hold those people accountable,” Lewis County Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer said in the news release. “We are thankful for the federal and state agencies that conducted this operation and the support of multiple local agencies. Coordination of law enforcement partners is vital to help ensure the safety of the people of Lewis County.”

This was the 20th operation spearheaded by the State Patrol’s Missing and Exploited Children Task Force. Since 2015, the agency said the operations have resulted in 312 arrests and removed 30 children from danger. Anyone with information about the suspects arrested during the operation is asked to contact the task force at mectf@wsp.wa.gov. The operation also involved the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, Chehalis, Longview, Othello, Tacoma and Spokane police departments, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and Washington State Department of Corrections.