Whatcom County man suspected of twice raping woman his knew as she slept
A Lynden man is suspected of twice sexually assaulting a woman he was familiar with while she was asleep.
The Lynden Police Department booked Visente Levi Jon Galvez-Cruz into Whatcom County Jail May 10 on suspicion of charges including two counts of second-degree rape. Jail records show Galvez-Cruz is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.
Lynden investigators were contacted April 12 by the victim, who reported that she had been sexually assaulted by Galvez-Cruz in 2018 in Sumas and 2019 in Lynden, Whatcom County Superior Court documents state. The Sumas Police Department requested Lynden law enforcement investigate the incident that allegedly occurred in Sumas.
In an interview with Lynden police on April 21, the victim reported that she and Galvez-Cruz rented a room above a restaurant in Sumas on Feb. 17, 2018. Galvez-Cruz reportedly brought alcohol, and they both drank.
The victim reported she awoke naked the next morning and felt like she had had sexual contact, documents state.
The victim also told investigators about a second incident Dec. 30, 2019, according to documents. In that incident, the victim reported falling asleep on her bed and waking up to find Galvez-Cruz on top of her and sexually assaulting her.
Police attempted to speak to Galvez-Cruz on May 10 about the allegations, but he requested an attorney, documents state.
Court records show Galvez-Cruz also was arrested April 20 on suspicion of second-degree theft for allegedly stealing a $2,500 bike in downtown Bellingham and is scheduled to stand trial June 6 on charges of attempting to elude police, obstructing law enforcement, theft of a motor vehicle, driving while license suspended, hit and run and bail jumping, stemming from a 2020 incident.
Galvez-Cruz also has previous convictions for theft, violating community custody, violating court protection orders, assault, intimidating a witness, reckless driving and bail jumping, court records show.
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/.
