By David Lohr

(Continued)

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Authorities have charged Wamsley with first-degree child rape.  According to the Washington Administrative Code, 9A.44.073, the definition of the crime is as follows:

"A person is guilty of rape of a child in the first degree when the person has sexual intercourse with another who is less than twelve years old and not married to the perpetrator and the perpetrator is at least twenty-four months older than the victim.  Rape of a child in the first degree is a class A felony."

James Wamsley in Custody

Wamsley was initially booked at the Franklin Juvenile Justice Center; however, on Thursday, he appeared in the Benton County Superior Court, and the decision was made to try him as an adult.  Following the court proceedings, Wamsley was transferred to the Benton County jail, where he is being held on a $500,000 bond.  His trial has been set for July 23. 

James Wamsley

If convicted, Wamsley will receive a sentence ranging from 93 to 123 months.  Unfortunately, the punishment does not fit the crime.  It is past due for sexual predators to receive harsher penalties.  If they are going to prey on young children, they deserve no freedom, regardless of their age.  That's my two cents anyway.

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Contact  David Lohr at           crimewriter74@hughes.net

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