Registered Sex Offender Arrested for Sexually Abusing Young Females
Sexual Assault Unit Detectives Believe Additional Victims Possible
Yesterday afternoon, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Sexual Assault Unit (SAU) Detectives arrested 38-year-old Dean “DJ” Zumwalt for sexually abusing at least two young females. Zumwalt, already a Level 1 Registered Sex Offender stemming from a Rape 3rd Degree conviction in 2010, was booked into jail for four felony charges.
Detectives have identified two additional young girls who may have been abused by Zumwalt and believe it is possible there are additional victims who have not yet been identified or reported being victimized.
In mid-December, SAU Detective Kevin Richey began investigating a report of a 7-year-old female being sexually abused by a family friend known as Dean “DJ” Zumwalt.
During the investigation, Detectives learned of an 8-year-old female who also said Zumwalt sexually abused her.
Both victims said they were sexually abused while they attended sleep overs at Zumwalt’s residence, located in the 15200 block of S. Carstens Rd., over the past several months. During these times, there were additional young girls who attended, two of which have been identified but not yet interviewed.
Investigators learned Zumwalt is suspected of a similar criminal act in Pend Oreille County and possibly in Lincoln County, as well.
Zumwalt, known as “DJ” to the families he befriends, appears to use the story of inviting young girls to attend sleep overs with other young victims he sometimes refers to as his nieces, as a ruse to lower the guard of unsuspecting parents.
Detectives are also attempting to identify two more potential victims known only as “Bree” and “Shaylin”.
With the belief there are potential unidentified victims, we are releasing these photos of Zumwalt and would like anyone who feels their child may have been victimized by Zumwalt in Spokane County, or can provide information regarding this ongoing investigation, to contact Detective Richey at 509-477-3296.
If you are in a surrounding county and believe your child has been victimized by Zumwalt, we urge you to contact your local law enforcement agency to report the information.
Zumwalt is charged with Rape of a Child 1st Degree, Indecent Liberties (Forcible Compulsion), Child Molestation 1st Degree and Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.
Deputy Mark Gregory
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
Spokane Valley Police Department
Public Information Officer