Whatcom County man suspected of sexually assaulting 15-year runaway hitchhiker
A Whatcom County man is suspected of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old runaway he reportedly picked up hitchhiking near a Bellingham school, took to his home and gave alcohol or drugs.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office booked James Martin Mezo, 57, into Whatcom County Jail Thursday, Feb. 3, on suspicion of third-degree child rape and third-degree child molestation. Jail records show Mezo was released Saturday, Feb. 5, on $20,000 bail.
Deputies were sent Jan. 19 to St. Joseph hospital in Bellingham after the victim’s mother called 911 to report the sexual assault, according to Whatcom County Superior Court documents. The victim was having a Sexual Assault Nurse Evaluation kit completed, which was given to investigators.
Investigators learned that the victim ran away from home and spent the night at a friends’ home, documents state, The next day the victim went to Squalicum High School to meet another friend but was asked to leave when staff noticed the victim was not enrolled at the school.
The victim attempted to hitchhike outside the school, according to documents, and caught a ride from Mezo after about an hour. The victim reported telling Mezo about being a minor and a runaway.
Mezo took the victim to his home just east of Bellingham and reportedly provided drinks the victim believed contained alcohol or another intoxicant, documents state.
Mezo then touched the victim inappropriately, according to documents.
Investigators spoke to Mezo, who admitted to picking up the victim, knowing the victim was 15 years old and having sexual contact, according to documents. He also provided a voluntary swab for DNA evidence.
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.
