PORT TOWNSEND — One of the 10 men arrested for investigation of child abuse as part of the Net Nanny sting operation was found dead of an apparent suicide on Friday, authorities said.
Thomas E. Gale, 53, of Port Townsend, had been scheduled for arraignment on Friday in Jefferson County Superior Court.
After his arrest on March 23, Gale had posted a $50,000 bond and was released.
“There was an incident with an individual who apparently committed suicide,” said Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Michael Haas.
“This is an ongoing investigation. An autopsy will be performed in the next couple of days.”
Gale and nine others were arrested for investigation of child sexual abuse after a sting operation led by the State Patrol.
No other information about the death was released by Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office or prosecuting attorney’s office.
