County prosecutors have filed charges against a 38-year-old Bellevue man who was arrested for attempting to lure underage girls at a Seattle grocery store earlier this month.

On March 17, William Dallas, allegedly approached two mother and daughter groups at the PCC Natural Market in South Seattle. He claimed to be searching for actresses for a series of Facebook shows about a family of witches he was putting together.

He first approached a 12-year-old girl who was shopping with her mother that day. He allegedly walked right up to the girl before her mother pulled her away from the man.

“What do you think I am going to do, attack her right in the store?” he asked, according to a report from Seattle Police Det. Roger Ishimitsu.

A female employee at the store noticed the commotion and went to check on the mother and daughter. They were escorted to the store office, but Dallas followed, court documents said. After several minutes of silence the man left the office.

He then noticed a 10-year-old girl whom he overtly stared at, catching the mother’s attention. The mother and daughter avoided Dallas, and paid for their groceries, but he followed them to the parking lot, the police report said.

While the victim’s mother loaded groceries, Dallas approached the girl and asked her if she would like to come to his house. The mother noticed and immediately began yelling at Dallas to leave them alone. Several store employees came out to help the mother, and Dallas threatened them.

From descriptions, police traced the man and spoke with his mother. She told police he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia eight years ago. Police learned that he had a significant arrest history, with cases for child rape and several assault arrests that didn’t stick. He had been convicted for several other acts including fourth-degree assault and third-degree theft.

Dallas admitted to speaking to both the victims, and asking the 10-year-old to come home with him. He thought the girls would recognize him for his local comic videos on Facebook. He said he was looking for actresses to star in a series called Witchwood, a show about a family of witches.

Police then arrested Dallas for luring. He is scheduled to be arraigned April 5. Prosecutors requested a $100,000 bail and a no contact order with the victims. They characterized him as a danger to the children.

Nat Levy can be reached at 425-453-4290.