Accused Sexual Predator Rearrested
Sexual Assault Detectives Believe Additional Victims Possible
On March 23, 2016, Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies rearrested 36-year-old Erik R. Thompson after a no bail warrant was issued for Rape of a Child 3rd Degree. The warrant was sought after Sexual Assault Unit Detectives learned Thompson was violating a Sexual Assault Protection Order preventing him from contacting a 14-year-old victim. Detectives continue to investigate this case and believe additional unidentified victims are possible.
This investigation began on March 14, 2016 when Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to the area of 2200 North Craig Road to contact a 14-year-old female who reportedly had sexual intercourse with her neighbor, later identified as Thompson, and the two of them had exchanged sexually explicit images electronically.
After Deputies conducted interviews, they determined probable cause existed to charge Thompson for Rape of a Child 3rd Degree and Communication with a Minor for Immoral Purposes. Sexual Assault Unit Detectives were granted a search warrant for Thompson’s residence and responded to the scene. Thompson was arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail.
On March 15, 2016, Thompson made his first appearance in court for these charges. The judge set Thompson’s bail at $7,500 and issued a Sexual Assault Protection Order preventing Thompson from having any contact with the 14-year-old victim. Thompson was released from the Spokane County Jail later that day after posting bail.
On March 22, 2016, Detectives learned Thompson had been in contact with the victim, in direct violation of the Sexual Assault Protection Order. Detectives notified the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office of the Protection Order violation and a No Bail warrant for Thompson’s arrest was requested. After the warrant was issued on March 23rd, deputies arrested Thompson and booked him back into jail for the warrant.
During this investigation detectives have identified several additional victims and believe there are potentially more who have yet to be identified. Investigators are releasing Thompson’s photo with the hope any potential victims will come forward.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation, or anyone who has been victimized by Thompson, is urged to contact Detective Streltzoff at (509)477-3218.
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Deputy Mark Gregory
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
Public Information Officer