HOODSPORT — A Mason County man was among 10 arrested in a Jefferson County “Net Nanny” operation that targeted dangerous sexual predators of children.

Seven children were identified as potential victims of sexual abuse.

Washington State Patrol reports that Michael Schluetz, 65 and of Hoodsport, was among the men arrested.

The names of the others arrested during the operation are:

• Thomas E. Gale, 53, of Port Townsend.

• Thomas E. Punt, 56, of Bremerton.

• Andrew M. Worley, 34, of Sequim.

• David L. Sprague, 34, of Sequim.

• Richard J. Bertolacci, 77, of Bremerton.

• Isaac J. Boyd, 21, of Sequim.

• Timothy J. Rondeau, 48, of Quilcene.

• Ming Lee, 20, of Auburn.

• Clinton R. Caldwell, 67, Sequim.

The state patrol stated in a Tuesday news release that law enforcement, county prosecutors and victim advocate specialists ran the operation.

The state patrol began the operation in August of 2015. Since the original operation, there have been ten additional operations in Washington State. WSP Missing and Exploited Children Task Force, an Internet Crimes Against Children affiliate, spearheads the multi-agency operation that includes partners in federal, state and local law enforcement.

The “Net Nanny” series, conducted throughout the state, has netted 170 arrests and rescued 24 child victims identified during the operations.

“Sexual predators are using the internet to target our most vulnerable members of our community,” state patrol Chief John R. Batiste said. “This operation not only protects our children from dangerous criminals but also makes our communities safer by taking these predators off the streets.”

Law enforcement officers, acting in an undercover capacity, communicated on the internet through various websites with individuals interested in having sex with children. The operation generated hundreds of responses. The would-be perpetrators who were arrested in the operation traveled to meet with undercover detectives posing as young girls and boys with the intent to engage in sexual activity with them.

In addition to the 10 suspects that were arrested, one suspect was identified as having access to children at risk of being abused. Additional follow-up investigations are currently underway to identify those children. For any children who were abused, they will be offered the appropriate assistance to help them with their needs.

All cases will be presented to the Jefferson County Prosecutor office.