Man arrested for allegedly molesting 12-year-old girl from Blaine while she slept
A man was arrested Thursday, Jan. 16, for allegedly molesting a 12-year-old girl from Blaine.
Juan Irene Leal Jr., 36, of Stanwood was arrested on suspicion of second-degree child molestation. Leal’s bail was set at $3,000 and he was released from the Whatcom County Jail around 9:30 p.m. on bond, according to jail records.
Leal’s arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 24.
On Jan. 15, a woman called the Blaine Police Department to report that her 12-year-old daughter told her Leal molested her, according to Whatcom County Superior Court records.
A day later, the girl was interviewed at Brigid Collins by a child forensic specialist. The girl told the specialist and police that around 3 a.m. on Jan. 10, the girl was sleeping on the couch in the living room at her father’s house when she was molested. Leal is not the girl’s father, but is known to her, court records state.
The girl said she felt something touch her ankle, and at first thought it was her dad’s dog, but then realized it was Leal sitting on the couch near her feet, according to court records.
The girl said she didn’t know what to do and was scared, so she pretended to sleep, court records state.
The court record said Leal went to the Blaine Police station with his wife he afternoon of Jan. 16 and said he had been drinking when he touched the girl.
Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, you can contact the following local resources for free, confidential support:
▪ 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.
▪ WWU Consultation and Sexual Assault Support Survivor Advocacy Services: 360-650-3700 or wp.wwu.edu/sexualviolence/.
▪ Brigid Collins Family Support Center: 360-734-4616, brigidcollins.org.
