TACOMA, Wash. — A months-long undercover child exploitation investigation ended with the arrest of a 34-year-old Port Orchard man who investigators say attempted to arrange the sexual abuse of a child after communicating online with detectives posing as a child’s mother. Washington State Patrol detectives arrested the suspect June 25 with assistance from the FBI after he arrived at a Tacoma hotel expecting to meet the woman and her juvenile daughter.
Washington State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste said the case underscores why undercover operations remain a critical tool for protecting children from sexual predators.
“This case demonstrates the troubling necessity for our undercover efforts and highlights some of the most destructive environments we encounter in law enforcement. I am grateful for the men and women of this unit, along with our partner agencies, whose personal courage, professional expertise, and unwavering determination help protect the children of our state in an often-dangerous world.”
Washington State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste
Investigation Began in May
According to the Washington State Patrol Missing and Exploited Children Task Force, detectives began communicating online with Michael A. Rees, 34, in May as part of an undercover investigation into child exploitation and child sex trafficking.
Investigators allege Rees told an undercover detective, posing as the mother of a juvenile girl, that he wanted to meet with the pair so he could have sex with the child. Detectives also allege he agreed to pay the mother $1,000.
Authorities said Rees later arranged to meet the supposed mother and daughter at a Tacoma hotel on June 25. Instead of meeting them, he encountered members of the Missing and Exploited Children Task Force and FBI special agents, who arrested him as he entered the hotel.
Three Felony Charges Filed
Following his arrest, detectives booked Rees into the Pierce County Jail on three felony charges:
- Attempted second-degree rape of a child.
- Attempted commercial sex abuse of a minor.
- Communicating with a minor for immoral purposes.
Court records show bail was set at $250,000.
Detectives Request Additional Information
“Investigators believe there may be additional victims,” WSP said via X Wednesday.
The Washington State Patrol is asking anyone who believes they may have been impacted by Michael Rees or who has information related to the investigation to contact the Missing and Exploited Children Task Force at 360-704-2397 or by email at MECTF@wsp.wa.gov.
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