Ferndale man suspected of sexually assaulting 2 children over several years
A Ferndale man is suspected of sexually assaulting two children he was familiar with over several years while they were preteens and teenagers.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office booked Derek Duane Pahlka, 51, into Whatcom County Jail on Friday, July 24, on suspicion of third-degree child rape, third-degree child molestation and communicating with a minor for immoral purposes. Jail records show Pahlka was released on $100,000 bail on Sunday.
Sheriff’s detectives began investigating sexual allegations against Pahlka in September 2018, according to information emailed to The Bellingham Herald by sheriff’s office spokesperson Deb Slater. Slater said the assaults occurred over a period of years.
New information came to light on July 15 from a person who did not originally wish to speak to detectives, Slater reported.
On July 23, detectives were granted a search warrant for Pahlka’s home, and he was later arrested.
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.
