By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – A 50-year-old Winlock man accused by a 6-year-old relative of touching her beneath her underwear was allowed to remain free pending trial on a $10,000 unsecured bond when he appeared in court today.
John M. Stafford was charged in Lewis County Superior Court at the end of December with one count of first-degree child molestation. He was summonsed to appear before a judge this afternoon and did so, accompanied by his parents and his daughter.
Judge Joely O’Rourke set his bail as requested and ordered him not to have any contact with minor children or go anywhere they might congregate.
Court documents state that a Lewis County Sheriff’s Office deputy spoke with the girl’s mother on June 6 and an appointment was arranged with a child forensic interviewer.
The kindergartner allegedly said Stafford sticks his hand down her pants and rubs her panties, he had touched her 33 times and the last time it happened was a the park, Lewis County Deputy Prosecutor Melissa Bohm wrote in charging documents.
The girl’s mom said the last time the child was around Stafford was around Easter.
When the deputy interviewed Stafford, he denied the allegations, according to Bohm.
Outside the court room, Stafford said the accusations were false and in retaliation for an incident he had with the girl’s father in the past, who vowed he would get back at him.
Stafford’s arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 26. First-degree child molestation carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
The story missed the part that this is a Level III Registered Sex Offender.