U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Washington have announced charges against Jonathan Michael Atkinson. The 34-year-old from Washington faces 11 counts, including sex trafficking children and forced labor, following an investigation involving ICE HSI and other law enforcement agencies.
The charges stem from an April 2 decision by a federal grand jury in Washington. If convicted, Atkinson could face a lifetime in prison.
“Human trafficking is a heinous crime that preys on the most vulnerable members of our communities and the most effective way we can dismantle these criminal networks is through strong partnerships," said Matthew Murphy, acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Seattle. "HSI is proud to work alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to protect victims, bring traffickers to justice, and put an end to this exploitation.”
Atkinson was apprehended on April 8 with assistance from the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which includes several local law enforcement bodies. He is expected to be arraigned in federal court on April 10.
“The U.S. Attorney’s office for the Eastern District of Washington will continue to aggressively prosecute all versions of human trafficking,” stated Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker. “We will continue to work closely with our federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement partners to seek justice for the most vulnerable among us.”
The public is encouraged to reach out to the Pasco Police Department if they possess any information related to this case. Assistant United States Attorney Laurel J. Holland and Stephanie A. Van Marter are overseeing the prosecution.
The authorities emphasize the importance of early intervention in cases involving child sexual exploitation. The public is urged to report suspicions through the Know2Protect Tipline or the NCMEC CyberTipline. Immediate threats should be directed to local law enforcement and the NCMEC Tipline.
It is important to note that an indictment represents an allegation, and Atkinson is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Know2Protect, a campaign by the Department of Homeland Security, seeks to educate communities about preventing and reporting online exploitation. Further details can be found on their website and social media platforms.
