Ferndale man charged with several counts of rape, assault released on bail
A Whatcom County man is facing multiple charges related to the rape and assault of a woman known to him after reports of violence spanning many months.
Ferndale police arrested Matthew James Kolb, 51, of Ferndale on July 19, two days after officers met with a woman who reported being raped and assaulted by Kolb multiple times over a four-month period.
The assaults began in March and occurred periodically through July, according to court documents.
Authorities charged Kolb with three counts of second-degree rape and three counts of second-degree assault, all felonies. He was also charged with two counts of fourth-degree assault, a gross misdemeanor.
Kolb posted a $200,000 bail and was released from custody July 21, according to court documents. He pleaded not guilty to all charges Aug. 1, his lawyer told The Herald.
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