TACOMA, Wash. — Washington State Patrol detectives arrested a Pierce County man last week after an undercover child exploitation investigation in which investigators posed as a 13-year-old girl online, according to authorities.
The Washington State Patrol Missing and Exploited Children Task Force, working with federal and state partners, arrested Marquercus S. Gant, 38, following a month-long investigation into alleged child exploitation and human trafficking activity.
According to WSP, investigators began communicating with Gant in May while posing as a 13-year-old girl online. During those conversations, Gant allegedly expressed a desire to meet the child and offered money in exchange for sexual acts. Investigators later determined Gant is a registered sex offender with a prior arrest history in Arkansas.
Arrest Made During Planned Meeting
On June 5, members of the WSP SWAT Team arrested Gant as he waited inside his vehicle for what he believed would be a meeting with the 13-year-old girl. The operation involved both the FBI and the Missing and Exploited Children Task Force.
Authorities booked Gant into the Pierce County Jail on charges of attempted second-degree rape of a child, attempted commercial sexual abuse of a minor, and communicating with a minor for immoral purposes. Court records show bail at $750,000.
Investigators Seek Possible Additional Victims
Detectives believe there may be additional victims connected to the case. Anyone who believes they may have been affected, or who has information related to the investigation, can contact the Missing and Exploited Children Task Force at 360-704-2397 or by email at MECTF@wsp.wa.gov.
The Missing and Exploited Children Task Force is a statewide unit that investigates child exploitation, online enticement, human trafficking and other crimes involving children. The task force regularly partners with local, state and federal agencies during undercover operations targeting suspected offenders.
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