A man accused of child rape in 2020 has been rearrested almost six months after failing to show up to a pre-trial hearing in July 2023.
Ryan B. Dahlin, 32, of College Place, was originally arrested in November 2020 and charged with second-degree child molestation and communication with a minor for immoral purposes.
Later, the state added charges of second-degree rape of a child and indecent exposure.
All charges involved the same victim, according to court documents.
His trial has been delayed several times for a number of reasons. Most recently, it was scheduled for Aug. 15, 2023, with a pre-trial hearing on July 20. Dahlin did not show for the July hearing and a warrant was issued for his arrest as a result.
He was arrested this month.
Dahlin had been out on pre-trial release. Initially, he was on house arrest. In 2021, house arrest was lifted, but he was still required to wear an ankle monitor. Later, that requirement was lifted as well.
Dahlin was back in court for a new first appearance hearing on Monday, Jan. 8.
Prosecutors asked his bail to be set at $50,000 with no reduced cash equivalent allowed because of his no-show at the pre-trial hearing.
Defense attorney Nicholas Holce reserved his bail argument until after he has a chance to meet with his client.
Walla Walla County Superior Court Judge Brandon L. Johnson followed the state's suggested bail amount but said Holce can re-argue the issue after meeting with Dahlin.
According to court documents, a 12-year-old girl told police Dahlin had touched her inappropriately several times for multiple months.
Dahlin is scheduled back in court on Tuesday, Jan. 16, for a hearing to set a new trial date.
