PORT ANGELES — A 42-year-old Clinton man has been convicted on 13 counts of first-degree child rape in a six-year case involving a Port Angeles girl.
Joel A. Wilson, 42, was accused of raping his girlfriend’s daughter in Port Angeles between March 2002 and July 2008, when she moved to Bellingham. Wilson was convicted in Clallam County Superior Court.
The victim reported the incidents to her father, who phoned Port Angeles police June 30, 2009.
“There are people in our society who have been victimized, and it’s important that we stand up for them,” said Port Angeles Police Detective Jason Viada, who arrested Wilson without incident on Whidbey Island on Aug. 12, 2009.
Crimes against people, especially children, are the highest priority for the Port Angeles Police Department Detective Unit, Viada said.
First-degree child rape is a Class A felony punishable by a maximum of life in prison and a $50,000 fine. The statute protects children under 12.
Clallam County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ann Lundwall handled the case.
Wilson is being held without bond in Clallam County jail.
According to the certification of probable cause, the victim disclosed the crimes to her father and his girlfriend as they were filling out a questionnaire on divorce paperwork.
The crimes began when the victim was 5 and lasted until she was 11, court documents show.
The jury agreed on a special verdict because the victimization occurred over a prolonged period of time, Viada said.
Wilson’s sentencing date was not available in court records as of Friday night.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
