Police have arrested a 48-year-old handyman suspected of having sexual relations with a 14-year-old girl and taping his encounters with her and other juveniles, Lacey officers said Friday.
The man was in custody at the Thurston County Jail on suspicion of four counts of third-degree child rape and 10 counts of communication with a minor for immoral purposes.
The investigation reportedly turned up child pornography at the man’s residence that he’s thought to have taped.
Police seized a video camera, computers and videos from the man’s home.
“We have information to believe that he was soliciting underage females and making movies,” said Lt. Jim Mack.
Police seized the man’s van, which had a futon in the back, Mack said. Police say the man drove with his victims in the van between Lacey and Seattle.
“We believe that he was using the van for having sexual relations with juveniles,” Mack said.
Police were trying to identify other alleged victims, including a juvenile in Seattle.
The suspect was scheduled to appear before a Thurston County Superior Court judge Monday for arraignment. The State Patrol’s computer forensics experts will examine the hard drives from the man’s computers, Mack said.
Jeremy Pawloski, The Olympian