Man arrested in Tacoma for trying to meet with girl, 13, for sex, WSP says
A Pierce County man has been arrested for allegedly trying to meet with a 13-year-old girl for sex.
According to a news release from the Washington State Patrol, detectives posed as a 13-year-old girl online and communicated with the 38-year-old man in May.
“During those communications, [he] allegedly expressed a desire to meet the girl and offered to pay her in exchange for sexual acts,” the release said. “Investigators later confirmed that [he] is a registered sex offender with a prior arrest history in Arkansas.”
On June 5, the man tried to meet the girl in Tacoma, the release said. Detectives arrested him as he waited inside his vehicle for the girl.
He was booked into Pierce County Jail on suspicion of second-degree attempted rape of a child, attempted commercial sex abuse of a minor and communicating with a minor for immoral purposes, the release said. His bail has been set at $750,000.
Jermaine Walker, spokesperson for WSP, told The News Tribune the man had been living out of his car in various places across Pierce County.
The News Tribune asked sergeant Jermaine Walker, spokesperson for WSP, where in Pierce County the man lives, but did not receive an immediate response.
“Investigators believe there may be additional victims,” the release said. “Anyone who suspects they have been impacted or has information related to this case is urged to contact [us] at (360) 704-2397 or via email at MECTF@wsp.wa.gov.”
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include comment from Jermaine Walker on where the man lives.
This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 3:31 PM.
