Whatcom man suspected of sexually assaulting 13-year-old boy while mother was out of town
A Whatcom County man is suspected of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy he was familiar with while the victim’s mother was out of town.
Don Milton Amende, 64, was booked into Whatcom County Jail Feb. 9 on suspicion of second-degree child rape and second-degree child molestation, and jail records show he was released later that day on $100,000 bail.
Deputies were alerted Nov. 2, 2021, to the alleged sexual assault, which occured on at least three separate occasions in 2010, Whatcom County Superior Court documents show.
The victim reported that he was raped in the master bedroom of his home by Amende when his mother was out of town, documents state.
The victim also reported that Amende would take showers with the victim in the master bedroom between two and three times a week while the victim’s mother was out of town and touch him inappropriately, according to documents.
Investigators also spoke to the victim’s siblings, and one of them reported being physically abused by Amende at least once while their mother was out of town, documents state.
Court records show Amende is scheduled to be arraigned April 29 and that he has a previous conviction for harassment from a 2009 incident.
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.
