An 18-year-old Chehalis man has been charged with a felony for allegedly sending a video of himself and an ex-girlfriend to someone while angry over the woman’s new relationship.
Kohl Hughes Morton made his initial appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Monday, Aug. 4, following his arrest on a warrant.
He’s charged with first-degree dealing in depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Judge Paul Strophy maintained Morton’s $20,000 unsecured bail, meaning he will be released from custody on Monday night and won’t have to return to jail unless his sentence ultimately demands it or he violates the conditions of his release. Strophy also approved a sexual assault protection order for the victim in the case.
Strophy noted Morton’s lack of criminal history and the nonviolent nature of the alleged offense when making his decision.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by prosecutors, a Lewis County Sheriff’s Office deputy first responded to a report of sexual misconduct on July 20. A mother reported that her daughter had been in a relationship with Morton and that he had shared an inappropriate video of himself and the victim.
According to court documents, Morton and the victim had recorded video of themselves having consensual relations before they broke up. When they broke up, Morton said he deleted the videos, but when he found out the victim was dating someone else, Morton became angry and sent a video and a message to her new boyfriend.
Morton will be back in court for an arraignment and trial setting hearing on Aug. 14.
