Man suspected of raping young child he knew in Bellingham
Bellingham Police have arrested a man suspected of sexually assaulting a child younger than 10 years old with whom he was familiar.
Constantin Martinez-M, 31, was booked in Whatcom County Jail on suspicion of charges including first-degree rape on Wednesday, Jan. 19, and jail records show he is being held in lieu of $15,000 bail.
Officers began investigating the alleged sexual assault, which is believed to have occurred within the past year, on Dec. 1, Lt. Claudia Murphy told The Bellingham Herald in an email Thursday, Jan. 20.
Detectives learned the victim was known to Martinez-M and that the alleged sexual assault occurred when the victim was visiting Martinez-M’s home, Murphy reported.
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.
