Five More Arrested In Wenatchee

Five more adults were held Wednesday in connection with sex rings that authorities contend systematically abused children.

The new arrests bring to 26 the number of adults in the Wenatchee area who have been accused of having group sex with children. Eight people have been convicted and many are awaiting trial.

Sharl Ann Filbeck, 39, and her husband, Gary E. Filbeck, 42, both of East Wenatchee, were being held Wednesday in Chelan County Regional Jail for investigation of multiple counts of first-degree rape of a child. Both were arrested Tuesday.

Sadie M. Hughes, 32, Wenatchee, was arrested Wednesday for investigation of multiple counts of child rape, as was Edward L. Knowles Sr., 68, of Wenatchee.

Knowles’ son, Edward L. Knowles Jr., and his former daughter-in-law, Kerri A. Knowles, were arrested on similar allegations last month.

Also arrested Wednesday was Robert Devereaux, 58, of Wenatchee. He was being held for investigation of two counts of witness tampering in connection with authorities’ investigations into child sex abuse.