A Raymond-area man is facing a felony charge after court records say a DNA test linked him to the sexual assault of a sleeping teenager in a rural home outside town. Trampess W. Sanders is being held in the Pacific County Jail on one count of second-degree child molestation and was booked into custody after his arrest last Saturday. Prosecutors allege the assault took place at Sanders' Heckard Road residence outside Raymond while the teen slept on a couch.
According to reporting by the Chinook Observer, the Pacific County Sheriff’s Office arrested Sanders last Saturday and booked him into the county jail at 11:33 p.m. Court documents reviewed by the paper state that a sexual-assault exam produced male DNA, which the Washington State Crime Lab found suitable for Y-STR testing. Investigators obtained a Y-STR profile, and records say that profile matched Sanders' reference sample on March 19. Detectives Micah Ristow and Lucas Marthaller are leading the investigation, according to the report.
How Investigators Are Using The DNA Evidence
Y-STR testing focuses on DNA markers found on the male-specific portion of the Y chromosome and can be useful when female DNA overwhelms a smaller male sample. The Washington State Patrol Forensic Services Guide explains that Y-STR profiles do not uniquely identify a single person and cannot be searched in CODIS, since they reflect paternal lineage rather than an individual fingerprint-style match. In this case, investigators used the Y-STR profile to compare the evidence from the exam directly to Sanders' reference sample.
Suspect's Statement And Court Schedule
Court documents cited by the Chinook Observer show Sanders told Deputy Kevin Acdal there "would be a chance his DNA would be found because they were wrestling around," according to an interview summarized in the records. Judge Donald J. Richter set bail at $100,000 last Monday. The documents say Sanders had an arraignment tentatively scheduled for last Friday. He remains in the Pacific County Jail as the case moves forward.
What The Charge Means Under Washington Law
Under Washington law, second-degree child molestation is defined as sexual contact with a person who is at least 12 but younger than 14 when the accused is at least 36 months older. The offense is classified as a class B felony under RCW 9A.44.086. A class B felony carries a maximum possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000, according to RCW 9A.20.021. The actual sentence, if there is a conviction, would depend on the standard sentencing range and the defendant's criminal history. Sanders has been charged but not convicted, and an arrest is not the same as a finding of guilt.
What Happens Next In The Case
Investigators and prosecutors say the case remains active, and additional filings or court dates could follow as they review evidence and witness statements. The Pacific County Sheriff’s Office is leading the probe. Its South Bend office provides contact numbers for tips and support services on the department website at the Pacific County Sheriff's Office. Anyone with information related to the case is asked to call the Sheriff's Office Support Services at the numbers listed online.
