Bellingham man who formed online relationship with Mississippi minor sentenced
A Bellingham man was sentenced to 30 months in prison Tuesday in Whatcom County Superior Court for charges related to the exchange of explicit content with a 15-year-old Mississippi girl, who he knew was a minor.
Daniel Koval, 46, pleaded guilty Jan. 15 to possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct and communication with a minor for immoral purposes.
According to court records, Koval traded sexually explicit texts, photos and videos with a 15-year-old girl in Ocean Springs, Mississippi over Discord in 2022. Koval knew the girl was a minor at the time.
The minor and her family have not responded to outreach from the Department of Corrections and did not provide victim impact statements.
Prosecutor Caleb Nagel called Koval’s behavior “predatory” at his sentencing, stating that his crimes were “more than just a simple possession” of child sexual abuse material.
Koval apologized to the victim and her family, as well as to his wife, who was in the courtroom, and his children.
“There is no excuse for my behavior,” Koval said.
Koval and his attorney, Robert Butler, emphasized that he has been receiving therapy since his arrest, with Butler saying Koval is not the man he was when he was arrested two years ago.
Judge Robert Olson also said he was impressed with the amount of work Koval has done, but said Koval still “exploited a vulnerable person.”
“You are an adult, and you know better than that,” Olson said.
He followed the agreed sentencing recommendation of 30 months in prison followed by three years in community custody.