Whatcom County man accused of raping children is set to go to trial next month
A Whatcom County man has been charged with eight felonies related to the suspected rape of two children .
Cristopher Phillip Cerecedes, 29, was arrested Jan. 5 by the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office following two reports from parents about their children being molested by Cerecedes. Both kids were younger than 16 when the alleged abuse occurred.
According to court records, Cerecedes is accused of sexually abusing the children many times, sometimes multiple times a day. He also asked the children to send him sexually explicit photos and videos.
Cerecedes was charged with second- and third-degree child rape, second- and third-degree child molestation, two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of communicating with a minor for immoral purposes. He pleaded not guilty Jan. 6 to all charges.
Cerecedes remains in custody at Whatcom County Jail on $200,000 bond. His trial is set for Feb. 23.
Resources
▪ Brigid Collins Family Support Center: 360-734-4616, brigidcollins.org. Brigid Collins Family Support Center professionals are on call between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday to answer questions about children, families, abuse prevention or treatment at (360) 734-4616.
▪ Child Protective Services: Washington state hot line for reporting child abuse and neglect, 866-829-2153.
▪ 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.