PORT ANGELES — A bench warrant for a Sequim man — who had missed his Friday morning arraignment on two counts of first-degree child rape and four counts of first-degree child molestation — was quashed by a Clallam County Superior Court judge when the man showed up to court Friday afternoon.
Gary M. Larson, 29, is due in court again this Friday at 9 a.m., when his trial date is to be set.
He was released from custody on his own recognizance two days after his Feb. 20 arrest, despite the objection of Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ann Lundwall.
After a six-minute hearing Friday afternoon before Clallam County Superior Court Judge Ken Williams, Larson was again released on his own recognizance.
He is ordered to remain in Western Washington, abide by an 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew and have no contact with the girl he is accused of raping or anyone younger than 18.
Clallam County Superior Court Judge S. Brooke Taylor signed the bench warrant Friday. Bond for his release was set at $35,000 before the warrant was nullified.
Larson was charged Feb. 24 for crimes committed between 2003 and 2009 in Port Angeles against a girl who is now 12.
The girl reported the crimes to her parents, who phoned Port Angeles on Feb. 10.
Port Angeles police arrested Larson without incident after conducting an investigation. Detective Kori Malone led the investigation.
First-degree child rape and first-degree child molestation protect children younger than 12. Both are Class A felonies punishable by a maximum of life in prison and a $50,000 fine.
