A Tacoma man is accused of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 16 in the Chehalis area last month.
Leo V. Sanders, 45, is charged with single counts of third-degree child molestation and third-degree rape of a child, each punishable by up to five years in prison.
Sanders faces an additional count of communication with a minor for immoral purposes, a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail.
The Chronicle is limiting details of the investigation to protect the identity of the victim.
Sanders was booked into jail around 9:30 p.m. on April 1, according to jail records. He made a preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior Court Thursday via live video from the jail.
Senior Deputy Prosecutor Bradley Meagher, while noting Sanders had no adult criminal history, said the defendant presented an “extreme risk,” especially to juveniles around him.
Meagher requested a bail of $50,000 cash or bond, with conditions of release that prohibit Sanders from frequenting locations where minors are known to congregate, as well as contacting minor children or the victim.
Defense attorney Rachael Tiller argued for no more than $25,000 in bail, saying she didn’t see any felonies when reviewing the defendant’s criminal history. Tiller noted that Sanders’ spouse was present in court, and said that Child Protective Services had interviewed the children living in the home and had allowed them to remain there.
Tiller asked that Sanders, whom she said was not working, be allowed to see the children.
Judge Joely Yeager said she did not "put a lot of weight” on the lack of criminal history and added that the allegations posed a "significant threat” to community safety.
Yeager set bail at $100,000 cash or bond.
“Oh my god,” Sanders said, before putting his head in his hands.
The judge ordered the defendant not to have any contact with minor children — including biological children — and granted a sexual assault no-contact order on behalf of the victim.
Court documents indicate the alleged assault took place in March in the Chehalis area. The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
Sanders is scheduled to appear for an arraignment on April 9.
