Pierce County prosecutors on Thursday filed child rape charges against a longtime Buckley City Council member, alleging he inappropriately touched a 7-year-old girl.
Randy R. Reed, 54, was charged with first-degree child rape and first-degree child molestation. A summons has been issued for him to appear Sept. 29 in Pierce County Superior Court for his arraignment.
A message left for Reed on Thursday was not returned. In a statement released through his attorney late Thursday, Reed denied the allegations against him.
"I am innocent of all charges," Reed said. "I intend to defend myself, and expect to be fully exonerated."
In an interview with investigators he said he didn't recall any time he inappropriately touched the girl or had her touch him.
Reed, a computer technician, has served on the City Council for 18 years and lived in Buckley for more than 20 years, according to statements in recent voter pamphlets.
Prosecutors allege he inappropriately touched and exposed himself to the daughter of a woman he knows over a six-month period this year. He also had her inappropriately touch him, according to charging papers.
The girl told her mother what was happening, and she immediately contacted Buckley police, Chief Jim Arsanto said Thursday.
Before the allegations came to light, Reed frequently saw the girl but no longer has access to her, Arsanto said. The News Tribune is not providing more specifics to protect the girl's identity.
A forensic interviewer talked to the girl, who described several incidents with Reed, charging documents state. The girl's mother told police the girl and Reed were close.
Reed told investigators he loved the girl "as much if not more than his own kids," charging documents state.
"He is not aware of any reason why (the victim) would make up the allegation as in his experience she is an honest child," charging documents state. "During the interview, he stated that he had a bond with (the victim)."
Arsanto said the department has received no other reports of inappropriate behavior by Reed.
Reed serves in Council Position 1. His term expires Dec. 31, 2013.
Mayor Pat Johnson referred questions about Reed to the police chief and said she had no comment.
"We're just trying to get our arms around it," she said.
Johnson said Reed had not resigned from the council.
Staff writer Sara Schilling contributed to this report.Stacey Mulick: 253-597-8268
stacey.mulick@thenewstribune.com
blog.thenewstribune.com/crime
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.