Western student arrested on suspicion of 'communicating with a minor for immoral purposes'

Late March 31, University Police officers arrested a 23-year-old Western Washington University student at his university residence for suspicion of "Communicating with a Minor for Immoral Purposes" (RCW 9.68A.090), which is a Class C Felony in Washington state, according to a release from University Police Chief Randy Stegmeier

The student was taken to University Police headquarters, where he was interviewed and signed a confession. He was then transported to the Whatcom County Jail, where he was booked on the above charge. The UPD has seized the student’s computer and will be requesting a warrant to do a forensic search.

The student is a Canadian citizen, and his arrest is the result of a lengthy investigation initiated by the Vancouver, B.C., police. Agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security brought the case to the attention of the University Police, who worked with the Bellingham Police Department and the Whatcom County Prosecutor’s Office to conclude the investigation.