Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Man found hiding in Pullman dressing room
Juan Trejo Perez, a 33-year-old man from Mexico accused of molesting a teenage boy in Pullman, was apprehended Tuesday, Feb. 6, after being found hiding in a changing room at a local store. This development comes after Trejo Perez failed to attend his court hearing in Whitman County Superior Court Feb. 2, prompting a nationwide arrest warrant without bond issuance.
Pullman Police had been in contact with Trejo Perez on Monday morning, but he failed to appear for a scheduled meeting. Tracking him down to Pullman Building Supply, officers discovered him concealed in a changing room and took him into custody without resistance.
Trejo Perez’s legal troubles began last fall when he was arrested at the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport while attempting to leave for Mexico. He stood trial in December for third-degree child molestation. However, the proceedings ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury. Despite facing a second trial, Trejo Perez posted a $5,000 cash bond and was released last week, failing to appear in court.
During Friday’s hearing, Whitman County Senior Deputy Prosecutor Tessa Scholl informed Judge Gary Libey that Trejo Perez had violated court orders by contacting the alleged victim from jail after the first trial. Scholl also indicated plans to file bail-jumping charges against Trejo Perez if he is apprehended on the warrant.
According to court documents, Trejo Perez’s family resides in Mexico. However, Washington state law prohibits inquiries into a defendant’s immigration status.
Reports from the Pullman Police Department reveal that the alleged victim, a 16-year-old boy, reported the molestation earlier in October. Trejo Perez, who is reportedly a second cousin to the victim, had been residing at the victim’s house for several weeks. This incident is not the only case of sexual assault within the family, as another family member allegedly raped the victim’s sister.
Trejo Perez’s initial bond was set at $50,000 during his first court appearance, with restrictions on leaving Whitman or Latah Counties. Although the prosecutor’s office sought a higher bond, arguing Trejo Perez’s flight risk, Commissioner Doug Robinson deemed the requested amount excessive for the charges at hand. However, pending release on bond, Trejo Perez must comply with strict conditions imposed by the court.
Olivia Harnack is a Journalist at the Whitman County Gazette. Olivia is enrolled at University of Idaho and is majoring in digital film studies. She serves in the United States Army National Guard and is proud to serve Whitman County.
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