SK man charged after toddler contracts herpes

A 63-year-old South Kitsap man was charged with child molestation in Kitsap County Superior Court Friday after allegedly giving a 3-year-old family member a sexually transmitted disease, according to the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office.

Donald Joseph Griffin, 63, is currently being held in Kitsap County Jail under $500,000 bail after prosecutors charged him with one count of first-degree child molestation.

Prosecutors requested the high bail amount due in large part to the fact that Griffin maintains a residence in Mexico, where his spouse is reportedly staying, and he is considered a flight risk.

“If he bolted, it would be very difficult to get him back,” said Sheriff’s Office spokesman Deputy Scott Wilson.

Griffin was arrested last Wednesday after investigators learned the suspect’s step-granddaughter had contracted herpes while living with him in South Kitsap for the past several months.

The child’s condition was reported to Child Protective Services (CPS), who in turn contacted law enforcement.

The victim, along with two of her siblings, has been removed from the suspect’s home. Judge Sally Olsen also signed an order Friday prohibiting Griffin from contacting the victim.

In the courthouse Friday, the mother of the alleged victim and other family members confronted Griffin, expressing outrage and disbelief over the alleged events.

Griffin’s next court appearance will be an omnibus hearing scheduled for July 14.

His trial will start in August.

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