A 19-year-old Bonney Lake man was arrested earlier this month in connection with the rape of a 12-year-old girl that reportedly occurred in 2023, Kent Police announced this week.
The investigation began Sept. 15, 2024, when the victim’s mother reported to police that her daughter had recently disclosed being sexually assaulted a year earlier by a then-17-year-old male acquaintance.
Detective Nona Steffes of the Kent Police Department’s Special Assault Unit was assigned to the case and worked with a Child Interview Specialist to conduct a forensic interview with the victim. Following a detailed investigation, Steffes developed probable cause to arrest the suspect for first-degree rape of a child.
On June 4, 2025, members of the Kent Police Special Investigations Unit, with assistance from the Bonney Lake Police Department, located the suspect at his Bonney Lake residence. He was arrested without incident, interviewed, and booked into King County Jail.
Police say the suspect is currently on probation out of Tacoma for two separate convictions of third-degree rape involving different victims in 2023. He also has two prior first-degree child molestation convictions from 2019.
“The Kent Police Department takes crimes of sexual violence—especially those involving children—with the utmost seriousness,” said Investigations Commander Chris Mills. “These offenses cause lasting trauma for victims, families, and our community. We remain committed to thoroughly investigating these cases and ensuring that offenders are held accountable.”
The case is currently under review by the King County Prosecutor’s Office.
Authorities reminded the public that an arrest does not constitute a conviction and that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Kent Police thanked the Bonney Lake Police Department for their assistance in the arrest and interview of the suspect.
