Warning, this story comprises particulars that some readers might discover disturbing
A 63-year-old man from Washington state was sentenced final month to greater than eight years in jail for raping a toddler whereas on trip in Canada.
A information launch from the U.S. Legal professional’s Workplace for the Western District of Washington, dated Oct. 25, says John Timothy Whicher of Port Townsend, Wash., positioned about 90 kilometres northwest of Seattle, was sentenced in U.S. District Court docket in Tacoma to 102 months, or eight-and-a-half years, in jail and 10 years of supervised launch for the offence.
He shall be required to register as a intercourse offender following his launch from jail.
Whicher pleaded responsible to participating in illicit sexual conduct in a overseas place in February 2021.
On the sentencing listening to, U.S. District Choose Benjamin H. Settle stated the sufferer “has a life sentence …. He’ll dwell with this. This type of horrendous assault follows a sufferer by means of their complete life.”
The U.S. Legal professional’s Workplace, a department of the U.S. Division of Justice, states that information filed within the case and plea settlement present in August 2017, Whicher took a six-year-old youngster to Canada to remain at a household cabin in Ontario.
After getting back from the journey, the kid disclosed the sexual molestation to a mother or father, saying Whicher stated to maintain it a secret.
The U.S. Legal professional’s Workplace says the mother or father confronted Whicher and reported the conduct to the Port Townsend Police Division, which then contacted Canadian authorities.
The U.S. Legal professional’s Workplace says federal prosecutors first realized of the prison conduct when Canada filed to extradite Whicher to face prices, and forwarded the request to the U.S. Legal professional’s Workplace in Seattle. Assistant U.S. attorneys then labored with native and Canadian legislation enforcement to convey acceptable prices within the Western District of Washington.
“Youngster sexual abuse has been linked to long-term trauma, well being and social issues for victims, together with habit and suicide threat,” U.S. Legal professional Nick Brown stated within the information launch.
“The conduct on this case was a surprising betrayal to the kid and the kid’s household. Legislation enforcement each right here and in Canada labored collaboratively looking for justice on this case.”
Talking to the courtroom, the mom of the sufferer stated Whicher “turned out to be the largest risk in each of our lives.”
The case was investigated by U.S. Homeland Safety Investigations and the Port Townsend Police Division.
The U.S. Legal professional’s Workplace credited Canadian legislation enforcement for offering “essential help.”
Assistant U.S. Legal professional Matthew Hampton prosecuted the case.
