7 men (incl. Seattle schools vice-principal) arrested during Renton child sex-trafficking operation

[mountaineer]

7 men arrested during Renton child sex-trafficking operation
by KOMO News Staff
Wed, December 11th 2024 at 9:52 AM/Updated Wed, December 11th 2024 at 10:28 AM

RENTON, Wash. — Seven men were arrested during a recent child sex-trafficking operation in King County, the Renton Police Department (RPD) announced Wednesday morning.

RPD Det. Meg Braun, an undercover vice detective, said the goal of the operation was to arrest men who were trying to purchase sex from a minor. The RPD said the operation happened on September 26-27, 2024.

The department said there are an estimated 300 kids in King County who are being sex trafficked “at any one time.” Braun said law enforcement attempts to address the problem by going after the “demand site” or “those who are willing to purchase the children for sex.”

Braun said one of the men taken into custody during the operation “was a vice principal in the Seattle School District.” That suspect was arrested for prostitution. ...

[mountaineer]

This was in Sept & no one knew until today because the media is dead & doesn't have crime beat reporters anymore

https://twitter.com/thehoffather/status/1866912222116716855

[mountaineer]

He now has resigned.

Former assistant principal among those arrested in Renton child sex trafficking sting
Renton Police say officers posed as 14- and 15-year-olds on various social media platforms to connect with potential offenders.
Author: Natalie Swaby
Published: 5:41 PM PST December 11, 2024
Updated: 5:41 PM PST December 11, 2024
KING5

RENTON, Wash. — Seven men were arrested in connection to a child sex trafficking sting operation conducted by Renton police in late September, including an assistant principal at a Seattle school.

The undercover operation targeted individuals seeking to engage in sexual activities with minors. ...

Among those arrested was Alex Diaz Rios, who was working as an assistant principal at TOPS K-8 in Seattle at the time. Diaz Rios was charged with patronizing a prostitute, a misdemeanor crime. According to Rutledge, "The person did know they were talking to a 15-year-old boy."

Seattle Public Schools stated they acted swiftly upon learning of the charge, placing Diaz Rios on leave. He has since resigned.

The school district claimed they were not previously aware that the charge involved a minor. Renton police say that the school was informed. ...