Bellingham man with previous rape conviction suspected of molesting 7-year-old child
A Bellingham man with a previous conviction for rape is suspected of inappropriately touching a 7-year-old girl with whom he is familiar.
Anthony Danile Leshikar, 18, was booked into Whatcom County Jail Monday, Dec. 27, on suspicion of first-degree child molestation. Jail records show he is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.
The Bellingham Police Department received a Child Protective Services referral about the alleged sexual assault that occurred in early June, according to Whatcom County Superior Court records.
The victim reported that she had been inappropriately touched by Leshikar while he was responsible for her, documents state. She also reported that she smelled wine on Leshikar’s breath at the time of the alleged sexual assault.
Two other witnesses provided statements that corroborated the victim’s statement, documents state.
Leshikar has a previous conviction for second-degree rape, according to court documents, and he was required to register as a sex offender for a period of time.
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.
▪ Tl’ils Ta’á’altha Victims of Crime: 360-325-3310 or nooksacktribe.org/departments/youth-family-services/tlils-taaaltha-victims-of-crime-program/
▪ 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.
