PORT ANGELES — A Port Angeles man is set to stand trial for four days beginning Jan. 8 on one count of second-degree child rape and three other child sex offense charges.
A status conference is set for 1:30 p.m. Dec. 8 before Clallam County Superior Court Judge Brett Basden.
Phoenix David Cote, 21, faces one count each of second-degree child rape and first-degree possessing depictions of minors engaged in sexual conduct and two counts of communication with a minor for immoral purposes (electronic communication).
Cote was arraigned on Friday and pleaded not guilty. He was released after posting a $15,000 bond.
Cote also was required to have no contact or communication with a female younger than 16 unless he was biologically related and to remain at least 1,000 feet away from the victim.
According to court records, Cote is accused of the following:
On or about July 31, 2023, he had sexual intercourse with a person between 12 and 14 who was not married to the defendant and who was at least 36 months younger. It is a Class A felony, punishable by up to life imprisonment and/or a $50,000 fine.
On or about June 27, 2023, he possessed visual or printed matter depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. It is a Class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and/or a $20,000 fine.
One or about June 27 and 28, 2023, he communicated with a person he believed to be under the age of 18 for immoral purposes of a sexual nature through the sending of an electronic communication. It is a Class C felony, punishable by up to five years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine.
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Reporter Brian Gawley can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 55650, or at brian.gawley@peninsuladailynews.com.