Whatcom County man suspected of sexually assaulting 9-year-old girl
A man who was arrested on suspicion of a domestic assault in Lynden also is suspected of previously sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl with whom he was familiar.
The Lynden Police Department booked Roberto J. Rodriguez Jr. into Whatcom County Jail on Sunday, July 19, on suspicion of fourth-degree assault (domestic violence verbal).
While in jail, Rodriguez, 51, was served by the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office with probable cause for suspected first-degree child molestation. According to jail records, he is being held in lieu of $20,000 on that charge.
The sheriff’s office began its investigation in December after the juvenile victim was interviewed at Brigid Collins Family Support Center following a rape allegation, sheriff’s office spokesperson Deb Slater told The Bellingham Herald in an email.
The victim reported that Rodriguez sexually assaulted her when she was 9 years old.
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.
