South Kitsap man pleads not guilty to child rape

A 38-year-old South Kitsap man suspected of having sex with his daughter pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree child rape in Kitsap County Superior Court Friday afternoon.

According to court documents, the defendant was arrested Thursday morning by Kitsap County Sheriff’s Deputies following an investigation into allegations made by his 12-year-old daughter, who told her doctor her father was having sex with her.

After being contacted by deputies at his work, the defendant admitted he engaged in certain physical acts with the girl and was booked into Kitsap County Jail. Bail was set at $200,000.

At his arraignment Friday, the defendant was charged with one count of child rape in the second degree, with an added allegation of domestic violence because the victim was a family member.

In court, the Kitsap County Prosecutor’s office recommended his bail stay at $200,000 due to “the underlying facts and statements” which led to him being “not merely a danger, but a flight risk,” the prosecutor said.

Judge Leonard Costello agreed to keep the bail at the suggested amount, and signed a domestic violence no-contact order.

If convicted, the defendant faces a minimum sentence of six to eight years, with a maximum sentence of life in prison, according to the prosecutor’s office.

The defendant’s omnibus hearing is set for Oct. 2, with his trial due for November.

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