LIBERTY LAKE, Wash. — Washington State Patrol took 13 people into custody after a sting operation in Spokane and Liberty Lake last week.

The suspects responded online to officers posing as parents offering their children up for sex.

The 13 suspects appeared before a judge Thursday and Friday. Most were charged with attempted child rape.

The multi-agency sting, dubbed Operation Liberty Lake, was spearheaded by the WSP's Missing and Exploited Children Task Force. In the last 10 years, the task force has made more than 360 arrests and removed numerous children from danger.

In a press release, Liberty Lake Police Chief Damon Simmons said protecting the community from sexual predators was one of his department's top priorities.

The collaboration with other agencies "strengthens our ability

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