A Winlock gas station clerk is facing felony charges after he was accused of molesting a 13-year-old girl inside the store before giving her alcohol.
Bhupinder Singh, 43, of Centralia, was charged with one count each of second-degree child molestation, a Class B felony, and supplying liquor to a minor, a gross misdemeanor.
If convicted of the felony, Singh could serve a punishment of up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines.
He made a preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Oct. 17.
According to the affidavit of probable cause from the Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office, dated Oct. 17, Winlock Police Chief Stephen Valentine responded to a call on July 21 at about 10:12 p.m. where he learned of an incident that had allegedly occurred two days earlier.
On July 19, Singh was working as the clerk of the Handi Store in Winlock when a 13-year-old girl and her friends entered to buy snacks. The girl brought beer to the counter and made “a comment (to Singh) about giving her the beer,” according to the affidavit.
Singh allegedly said no, “but then made a comment about liking (the girl’s) boobs.”
At some point, Singh and the girl went into the back room of the store. The girl’s friend, who was also in the store, reportedly told police that she didn’t see anything when the victim and Singh were in the back room — but did hear “the sounds of kissing.”
According to the affidavit, the victim told police that Singh “touched her breasts and kissed her.”
Valentine then spoke to Singh, who allegedly denied the accusations and said he didn’t allow anyone in the back room.
According to the affidavit, “surveillance cameras show Mr. Singh going in the back with (the girl) out of camera view for about 51 seconds, and then show (the girl) leaving with alcohol.”
During the preliminary hearing, Deputy Prosecutor Brandi Archer asked for a bail amount of $250,000, citing concerns for community safety. Along with standard conditions of release, Archer requested a sexual assault protection order for the victim and an order for Singh to be prohibited from contact with minors or locations where children are known to congregate.
Defense attorney Rachael Tiller argued for a bail of no more than $25,000, noting that Singh resided locally and had family present “directly behind her” in the courtroom. She highlighted Singh’s lack of felony history, warrant history, criminal convictions, or any history similar to the allegations.
Singh told the court he was not married and that there were no children in his home.
Before making his ruling on bail, Judge Paul Strophy acknowledged Singh’s lack of criminal history or prior accusations for similar conduct, but did express some concern for community safety. Strophy did, however, note that the court's ability to enter protection orders mitigated some of that concern.
The judge settled at $50,000 cash or bond and entered a protection order on behalf of the alleged victim. He also agreed with the state’s request for Singh to be prohibited from having contact with minors or frequenting places where children are known to congregate.
Throughout the hearing, Singh communicated to the court through the assistance of interpreter Kalpna Bentler. Early on, Singh said he had a problem with his blood pressure — which was currently high — and that he had been in jail for two days.
An arraignment was scheduled for Oct. 23. Chris Baum is assigned to represent Singh.
