PORT ANGELES — A Port Angeles man is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 13 on three child sex charges after pleading guilty Tuesday in Clallam County Superior Court.
Phoenix D. Cote, 22, was charged with one count of second-degree viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct and two counts of communication with a minor for immoral purposes (electronic communication).
Cote was ordered to undergo a pre-sentencing evaluation. He is being held without bail in the Clallam County jail upon recommendation of the Clallam County Prosecutor’s Office.
According to court records, Cote pleaded guilty to the following:
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.
On 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.
Cote was scheduled to stand trial for four days beginning Jan. 8 before the plea agreement was reached. He originally was charged Oct. 20 with 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). He had been released from jail after posting a $15,000 bond.
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Reporter Brian Gawley can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 55650, or at brian.gawley@peninsuladailynews.com.