More details in arrest of Forks officer in child rape investigation

FORKS — A Forks police officer has been arrested on investigation of second-degree rape of a child.

Officer Erik A. Hanson, 33, was arrested Thursday. He posted $5,000 bail on Friday, and will be formally charged Tuesday in Clallam County Superior Court.

He is alleged to have committed the crime while off-duty.

Acting on a request from Forks Police Chief Mike Powell, the Clallam County Sheriff’s Department Criminal Investigations Bureau investigated for three months before the arrest, said Sergeant Lyman Moores of the sheriff’s department.

The investigation revealed e-mail and phone correspondence between Hanson and the 12-year-old girl, Moores said.

“We did the investigation like we conduct any other investigation of that type,” Moores said.

Powell contacted the sheriff’s department in February after the Forks girl said that inappropriate sexual contact had occurred.

“We were advised of the allegations,” Moores said.

“We then interviewed the victim and conducted the investigation.”

Powell did not return a call seeking comment.

Court documents show the alleged crime occurred on Aug. 12 in a secluded area in Forks.

According to state law, second degree rape of a child occurs when a person has sexual intercourse with someone who is at least 12 years old but under 14, and who is not married to the perpetrator. The perpetrator must be 36 months older than the victim.

Hanson was serving in Iraq with the National Guard Reserves during the investigation. Detailed e-mail and phone correspondence found during the investigation corroborated the victim’s statement, Moores said.

Hanson was home on leave when he was arrested.

“It went without incident,” Moores said.

“He had come into the courthouse voluntarily. I advised him of the allegations and advised him of his rights. He told me that had contacted an attorney and declined to make a statement.”

Moores said the Forks Police Department provided key documents during the investigation.

“They were very professional,” Moores said.

________

Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

From left, Mercedes Sunshine Shimko and Hudson Soelter.
Club grows local scholarships

The Port Angeles Garden Club awarded five area students… Continue reading

Ian Mason of Edgewood, an employee of Titan Earthworks, hammers a brick paver into place at the corner of First and Oak streets in downtown Port Angeles on Wednesday as part of a project to replace and repair sidewalks and curbs across the city. Included are the installation of improved wheelchair ramps, replacement of overgrown trees and numerous street corner repairs. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Sidewalk repairs

Ian Mason of Edgewood, an employee of Titan Earthworks, hammers a brick… Continue reading

Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe members gather by the Elwha River to hold a ceremony in support of a petition to protect forests in the Elwha River Watershed. (John Gussman)
Groups advocate for timber cancellation

Water, environment center of concerns

Jefferson hears possible floodplains changes

New development standards, compliance and enforcement in updated code

Crews to trim tree limbs in Blyn

Maintenance workers from the state Department of Transportation will be… Continue reading

EYE ON BUSINESS: This week’s meetings

Meetings on Wednesdays at the student-run… Continue reading

Election security measures in place

Fire suppressant just one example

Ruby Speer, 3, of Port Angeles receives a treat from KaraLee Monroe of Kindred Collective as part of Thursday’s Halloween festivities in downtown Port Angeles. Hundreds of youngsters and adults made their way door-to-door in search of candy and other treasures. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Trick or treat in Port Angeles

Ruby Speer, 3, of Port Angeles receives a treat from KaraLee Monroe… Continue reading

Karen Huber, sister of Nash Huber, the owner of Nash’s Organic Produce, stands by large crates that hold various seeds that Nash sells to farmers. She said she’s mitigated alleged violations and concerns from property owner, Washington Land Trust, but the longtime farmer faces eviction from the property if he doesn’t comply with ending his lease agreement that goes through 2032. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Washington Farmland Trust could evict Dungeness farmer

Nash Huber helped preserve Delta Farm in 1999

Amy Seidewand chair making. (Lacey Carnahan)
Port Townsend Woodworkers Show ready for the weekend

Event dedicated to memory of woodworking pillar

Two ghosts dangle from a tree in the breeze in the 200 block of West 10th street in Port Angeles. Halloween events are scheduled today throughout the North Olympic Peninsula. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Ghostly visions

Two ghosts dangle from a tree in the breeze in the 200… Continue reading