Whatcom County man convicted of raping his then-girlfriend’s daughter sentenced
A Custer man who was convicted of sexually assaulting his then-girlfriend’s 11-year-old daughter multiple times over a six-month period more than a decade ago was sentenced to at least 24 years in prison this week.
Rene Phillip Dallas, 40, was found guilty of three counts of first-degree child rape and two counts of first-degree child molestation by a a jury Dec. 10, 2019, in Whatcom County Superior Court.
On Monday, Feb. 10, Judge Robert Olson sentenced Dallas to a minimum of 288 months to life for the crimes, court records show.
Because of the offense Dallas committed, he was given an indeterminate sentence, which means he has to serve the minimum 24 years in prison, but could be held for life, pending review by the Indeterminate Sentencing Review Board.
Dallas was arrested in January 2018 by the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office after the then 21-year-old victim reported the sexual assaults during a mental-health counseling session and the counselor encouraged the woman to notify authorities, according to The Bellingham Herald’s archives.
The victim’s mother terminated her relationship with Dallas in January 2007 after she caught Dallas watching the victim through her bedroom window changing after a shower, court records state.
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.
