(STORY IMAGE:KHQ.COM)
PULLMAN, Wash. -A Pullman Police Sergeant was arrested by the Washington State Patrol and charged with 1st-degree custodial sexual misconduct.
Dan Hargraves was arrested after an investigation that began in April when a female WSU student reported she was sexually assaulted. Hargraves has been on paid leave or desk-duty since the initial report.
“The alleged criminal misconduct is completely unacceptable behavior for a Pullman Police Officer,” said Gary Jenkins, chief of the Pullman Police Department. “We place a high value on the community’s trust, and we will continue to work every day to earn and maintain that trust. Our staff are dedicated to the welfare and safety of our community and perform their duties every day with distinction and professionalism. We thank Washington State Patrol Chief Batiste and his staff for their assistance in conducting the criminal investigation.”
Sergeant Hargraves has been with the Pullman Police Department for 19 years and has been a sergeant for 14 years.
When Pullman Police and WSU Police learned of the allegations, they requested the Washington State Patrol conduct a criminal investigation. After a six month investigation, Hargraves was arrested by WSP.
The Pullman Police Department is also conducting an internal investigation of the allegations. That investigation is ongoing and Pullman Police Chief Gary Jenkins hopes to have it completed soon.
What is 'Custodial Sexual Misconduct in the First Degree"?
(1) A person is guilty of custodial sexual misconduct in the first degree when the person has sexual intercourse with another person:
(a) When:
(i) The victim is a resident of a state, county, or city adult or juvenile correctional facility, including but not limited to jails, prisons, detention centers, or work release facilities, or is under correctional supervision; and
(ii) The perpetrator is an employee or contract personnel of a correctional agency and the perpetrator has, or the victim reasonably believes the perpetrator has, the ability to influence the terms, conditions, length, or fact of incarceration or correctional supervision; or
(b) When the victim is being detained, under arrest[,] or in the custody of a law enforcement officer and the perpetrator is a law enforcement officer.
(2) Consent of the victim is not a defense to a prosecution under this section.
(3) Custodial sexual misconduct in the first degree is a class C felony.