The Bothell Police Department cares about the safety of children. We urge everyone to learn more about the increasing dangers that children face when they're online, whether they're using a cellphone, laptop, tablet or any internet-connected device or game.
The dangers are real. Through awareness, there's hope. If you are in Bothell and have questions, or would like to invite a detective to come speak to your group about ways to keep children safe, please contact us.
It's important to know: Internet crimes against children happen everywhere, even in Bothell.
In 2024, the Bothell Police Detectives investigated or provided key assistance with more than 30 cases involving internet crimes against children, including 22 cases involving illicit images. Among those;
- Six suspects were arrested.
- Eight cases were referred to other agencies/jurisdictions where the crimes took place.
- Three cases involved large amounts of data that ultimately led detectives to one suspect.
- Four cases remain active investigations.
- Two FBI cases, in which Bothell Police detectives assisted by interviewing and arresting the suspects.
- An online-enticement case: An elderly male pretended to be a minor, and engaged in inappropriate, explicit online conversations with children.
Bothell Police investigators were also involved in five undercover cases involving internet crimes against children, which resulted in:
- Two arrests on charges of Attempted Rape of a Child. In each of these (separate) cases, the suspects traveled from another city to meet with someone they believed to be a 13-year-old girl.
- Three out-of-state referrals to law enforcement agencies. During these investigations, Bothell Police detectives gathered evidence of crimes, and learned the suspects' identities and (out-of-state) locations. Detectives reached out to law enforcement agencies in those states.
Power Through Partnerships
The Bothell Police Department is a partnering agency with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, a network of 61 coordinated, regional task forces from more than 5,400 federal, state and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies.
But our most important partnership - is with you. Please learn more about online dangers and help us share the information. Together, we can create a safer internet and community for all children.
Learning Resources: