BOTHELL, Wash., February 11, 2022 – Yesterday, the Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit (SIU) Detectives arrested a 21-year-old Lynnwood man for first-degree child rape and first-degree child molestation.

In 2019, the suspect was hired by the family via an online babysitting service to provide child care for their children multiple days per week at their residence in unincorporated Bothell. The suspect provided child care for the family for approximately four months in 2019 and then started again during the summer of 2021.

During this time, the victim’s sibling observed inappropriate interactions between the suspect and the 7-year-old victim and reported it to a parent. The incident was first reported to Child Protective Services (CPS) and on January 21, 2022, CPS referred the case to law enforcement.

Sheriff’s Office Special Investigation Unit (SIU) detectives began investigating the case and learned the suspect was actively employed at a daycare center in Lynnwood. His employment there was terminated due to the active criminal investigation.

With assistance of Child Interview Specialists and medical providers at Dawson Place, SIU detectives conducted an investigation and developed probable cause to arrest the 21-year-old suspect for first-degree child rape and first-degree child molestation.

On Thursday, the 21-year-old suspect was arrested at his Lynnwood residence without incident. He was transported and booked into the Snohomish County Jail for first-degree child rape and first-degree child molestation.

A person is guilty of rape of a child in the first degree when the person has sexual intercourse with another who is less than twelve years old and not married to the perpetrator and the perpetrator is at least twenty-four months older than the victim. Rape of a child in the first degree is a class A felony.

A person is guilty of child molestation in the first degree when the person has, or knowingly causes another person under the age of eighteen to have, sexual contact with another who is less than twelve years old, and the perpetrator is at least thirty-six months older than the victim. Child molestation in the first degree is a class A felony.

Class A felonies, which are the most serious, are punishable by prison sentences which can include life, as well as fines of up to $50,000. 

Prayers for the family and victim(s) of this alleged crime.

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