Bellevue Police have arrested a 32-year-old Bellevue man suspected of impersonating a police officer to coerce prostitutes to have sex with him free.
A 19-year-old woman had advertised as an escort on craigslist.org. The suspect responded to the ad, and when they met in person he quickly displayed then put away a badge and ID and told her he was a police officer. He offered not to arrest her and send her to jail in exchange for sex.
The incident took place on Oct. 3 at the suspect’s apartment in the 14400 block of Northeast 42nd Place in Bellevue. Following the crime, she was initially reluctant to talk about it. Eventually she contacted Bellevue Police on Oct. 10.
With information provided by the victim, investigators were able to locate the specific apartment and identify the suspect. Detectives arrested him on Oct. 20 and executed a search warrant on the apartment. They found a badge (similar to a police badge), homemade fake police identification, handcuffs, and a pistol. Bedding was also collected for evidence.
The 27 year-old suspect was processed and booked into King County Jail for investigation of Rape 3, Criminal Impersonation 1, and Extortion 1. Charges have been referred to the King County Prosecutor.
In coordinating with other local law enforcement agencies, Bellevue detectives discovered a very similar case had been reported in Redmond. Redmond Police have determined the suspect in the crime in Bellevue was the same suspect in their case, and are investigating. Further inquiries regarding the Redmond case should be referred to Community Outreach Facilitator Jim Bove at 425-556-2545.
Police officials said the public should learn several lessons from this case:
The internet can be a dangerous place. Electronic bulletin boards, classified ads, and social networking websites are now well recognized as potential tools for criminals. Whether you are making a date or buying furniture, never meet anyone you don’t know privately. If they won’t meet publicly, don’t meet at all.
Prostitution is not only illegal, but also it is unsafe. The practice allows either unknown persons into the prostitute’s home, or requires them to go into the residence of a person they don’t know. By it’s very nature, nobody involved in prostitution can be trusted. Clients and prostitutes both are often assaulted or robbed in lieu of sex or payment.
A very small number of criminals will attempt to pass themselves off as police officers. If the public has any doubts, they should ask the officer or detective to show their identification long enough to see that it looks authentic (as opposed to homemade) and that the photo matches the officer. If they are in uniform, does the name on the ID match the name on the uniform? Beware of anyone who flips the badge out but puts it away to fast to examine it. If you still have doubts call 911 and ask to be connected to the officer’s department to verify their employment.
Questions about the Bellevue case may be directed to the Public Information Officer at ggrannis@bellevuewa.gov or 425-452-4129.
