Man suspected of raping woman he knew in Whatcom County cabin
An Everett man has been arrested after he reportedly sexually assaulting a woman he was familiar with against her will at a cabin in Whatcom County.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office booked Colton Wesley Braa, 24, into Whatcom County Jail Saturday, May 14, on suspicion of third-degree rape. Jail records show Braa was released Monday, May 16, on $15,000 bail.
The victim reported the alleged sexual assault to deputies in August of 2021, according to Whatcom County Superior Court documents.
The victim gave a statement saying she and Braa were longtime friends, but that she had made it clear she was not interested in having a sexual relationship with him, documents state.
On Nov. 29, 2020, the victim drove to meet with Braa and his family at their cabin in Maple Valley, according to documents. While there, Braa reportedly picked her up and put her on top of him and attempted to undress the victim.
The victim said eventually Braa flipped her over with her face down on the bed, pulled down her pants and assaulted her, documents state. She reported that caused her pain and bleeding for a few days after the sexual assault.
The victim said she left without talking to Braa, but she did seek counseling and reached out to a close friend who also was a sexual assault survivor.
Deputies attempted to speak to Braa, but were notified on Jan. 10 that he had retained an attorney and did not wish to be interviewed, documents state.
Court records show a warrant was issued for Braa’s arrest on May 3.
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/.
