A Toledo man accused of arranging a sexual encounter with an undercover Washington State Patrol detective posing as a 12-year-old girl online in September has been arrested and now faces felony charges.
The man, identified as Darrell Leon Blevins, 51, allegedly responded to an online profile of “a girl seeking to meet others for sexual encounters” on Sept. 15, according to documents filed in Lewis County Superior Court.
The pair reportedly communicated via text between Sept. 15 and Sept. 28. In their conversation, Blevins allegedly confirmed the girl “would be turning 13 in May,” asked her to send sexual photos, and “sent pictures of potential locations where the pair could meet, including the community skate park in Napavine,” according to court documents.
Washington State Patrol personnel “eventually” obtained a warrant for Blevins’ residence and, after confirming Blevins’ phone was being used for the text conversations, arrested Blevins. Jail records indicate he was booked into the Lewis County Jail just before 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29. Blevins has since been charged in Lewis County Superior Court with one count each of attempted second-degree rape of a child and communication with a minor for immoral purposes.
While defense attorney Rachael Tiller argued for Blevins’ bail to be set no higher than $25,000 on Monday due to Blevins’ lack of criminal history, Judge Joely Yeagher granted the prosecution’s request for $50,000 bail.
“That’s usually the case in these types of allegations,” Yeagher said of Blevins’ lack of criminal history, adding, “That doesn't make it any less of a risk to community safety. The fact that there’s no real, live victim also doesn’t make it any less of a risk to community safety.”
Blevins’ release conditions include provisions prohibiting him from having any contact with minors or going anywhere minors are known to congregate, such as parks or schools.
Arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 5.
