LYNNWOOD, Wash. – A 25-year-old Lynnwood man has been arrested following a two-year investigation into child exploitation crimes, authorities announced.
On August 13, 2025, detectives with the Lynnwood Police Department, alongside officers from the department’s Special Operations Section, took Fox Curtis Fitzpatrick into custody.
Charges Filed
Fitzpatrick faces multiple charges, including:
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Dealing in Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct (Class B felony)
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Possession of Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct (Class B felony)
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Carrying a Concealed Pistol Without a Permit (misdemeanor)
Authorities say the felony charges stem from a significant amount of illicit material linked to Fitzpatrick, while the weapons charge resulted from his possession of a concealed firearm at the time of his arrest.
Origin of the Investigation
The case began after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) submitted multiple CyberTips to law enforcement.
Those tips revealed more than 50 uploads of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) over a span of two years. The information was forwarded to the Washington State Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), which in turn provided the case to Lynnwood Police, an ICAC partner agency.
Investigators say this collaboration was critical in identifying and tracking the suspect.
Arrest and Search
Fitzpatrick was arrested at his place of employment, where police discovered he was carrying a concealed pistol without a valid permit.
Later, a search warrant was executed at his residence with assistance from ICAC partner agencies, including the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office and the King County Sheriff’s Office.
During the search, detectives seized multiple digital devices believed to contain evidence, along with two additional firearms. Authorities say forensic analysis of the devices is ongoing.
Court Proceedings
Fitzpatrick was booked on August 13 and appeared in court the following day. On August 14, he was released on a $10,000 bond while awaiting further proceedings.
He is expected to face formal arraignment in the coming weeks. If convicted of the felony charges, he could face a lengthy prison sentence and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Law Enforcement Statement
Police emphasized the seriousness of the charges and the importance of coordinated work between agencies in protecting children.
“The collaboration between the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, ICAC Task Force members, and local law enforcement was crucial in this case,” officials said in a statement. “Our detectives are committed to ensuring the safety of children and holding offenders accountable.”
Conclusion
The arrest of Fox Curtis Fitzpatrick highlights the role of cyber monitoring and interagency cooperation in identifying child exploitation crimes. While the investigation continues, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious online activity to the NCMEC CyberTipline.
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