Bellingham man arrested on suspicion of filming himself molesting a child
A 41-year-old Bellingham man reportedly filmed himself sexually molesting a child he knew.
Bellingham police booked James Robert Smith was booked into Whatcom County Jail on Sunday, July 28, on suspicion of second-degree child molestation and voyeurism. He made his first appearance in court Monday and is being held in lieu of $10,000 bail.
According to information provided to The Bellingham Herald by Lt. Claudia Murphy, police began an investigation into reports that Smith had molested a child between ages 12 and 14 that he knew.
Murphy said Smith also taped the crime, which led to the alleged voyeurism.
Smith turned himself in and was arrested without incident.
Resources
▪ Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services: 24-hour Help Line: 360-715-1563, Email: info@dvsas.org.
▪ Lummi Victims of Crime: 360-312-2015.
▪ Bellingham Police: You can call anonymously at 360-778-8611, or go online at cob.org/tips.
▪ Brigid Collins Family Support Center: 360-734-4616, brigidcollins.org.
This story was originally published July 30, 2019 at 8:42 AM.
