Potential Unidentified Sexual Assault Victims
Spokane Valley Sheriff’s Deputies and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Sexual Assault Unit Detectives arrested 85-year-old Marvin E. Petersen and charged him with Rape of a Child 1st Degree (2 counts), Child Molestation 1st Degree, Child Molestation 2nd Degree (4 counts) and Unlawful Imprisonment.
Investigators believe due to the unreported or uncharged (expired statute of limitations) sexual assault behavior dating back to the mid to late 1950’s discovered during their investigation, there are potentially unidentified young victims.
On November 23, 2016, detectives arrested Petersen after a several months’ long investigation into allegations of sexual abuse that occurred over the last two years of a now 12-year-old female victim.
During the investigation, detectives learned of past unreported or uncharged sexual abuse by Petersen stemming back to the mid to late 1950’s. Some of the known sexual assault behavior was reported to law enforcement in Eugene, Oregon but due to the incidents occurring in the 1950’s, charges could not be filed since the statute of limitations had expired.
The female victims of this abuse range from approximately 9 to 14 years of age. The victims are family or former family members and/or children living with or in the area of Petersen. Petersen’s current address is located in the 13900 block of East 6th Avenue in Spokane Valley.
Although Petersen has no known criminal conviction history, Detectives believe due to his reported history of sexual abuse over the past 60 years, there are potential victims who have not been identified. Petersen’s photo is being released to assist detectives as they work to identify any possible victims or witnesses who have not yet come forward.
Investigators urge anyone who believes they have been victimized by Marvin E. Petersen, or has any information regarding potential suspicious or criminal activity of Marvin E. Petersen, to call Sexual Assault Unit Detective Brandon Armstrong at 509-477-6610.
