.png)
NEWPORT — A middle- aged man pleaded not guilty in Pend Oreille County District Court Thursday, June 4, on charges of immoral communication with a minor.
David Micheal Bullock, 42, of Sandpoint requested acts of a sexual nature from a then-12-year-old girl over text, at one point living with her in a Newport motel without parental supervision.
Bullock, alternatively known as “Bear,” is charged with a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine or both.
Immoral communication with a minor is considered a felony if the perpetrator conducted it electronically, or if the perpetrator had previously been convicted of immoral communication with a minor or a felony sexual offense.
Bullock had not previously been convicted of either; however, law enforcement reported in court documents that he was possibly grooming minors for immoral purposes.
District Court Judge Robin McCroskey set bail at $50,000 during Bullock’s first appearance and arraignment June 4. McCroskey ordered Bullock to not have any contact with the victim, her mother or one of her friends, who was also a 12-yearold girl. Additionally, Bullock must maintain weekly contact with his attorney, commit no criminal law violations and remain in Washington if released.
According to court documents, Bullock committed the immoral communication Monday, March 23, sending the first possibly sexual texts Thursday, March 19.
Bullock and the victim lived together in a Newport motel room for around a week in March, with the victim’s mother’s knowledge. She had met Bullock soon beforehand and moved into his room at another Newport motel with the victim, eventually leaving her with Bullock. A friend of the victim later stayed with her and Bullock for two nights in March, according to court documents.
In an interview with county counseling, the victim stated that Bullock bought her and her mother food and clothing, even promising to give the victim a home in Priest River and a pet dog, court documents stated.
Concerned about the situation, a representative from the victim’s school called for a welfare check, and the Newport Police Department responded Thursday, March 26. The same day, Bullock left the area, though he attempted to contact the victim again Friday, March 27.
Bullock was then arrested in Idaho, where according to court documents, he was involved in two unrelated cases.
In one case, Bullock had enticed an 11-year-old girl into contacting him at a hotel room, though there were no allegations and phones could not be seized for evidence. In another case, Bullock had assaulted a 19-year-old woman via battery. Idaho law enforcement also advised NPD that in 2004, there was a possible sexual allegation against Bullock regarding a 9-year-old boy.
NPD had probable cause to arrest Bullock by then, but was required to wait until he had settled his legal affairs in Idaho, where law enforcement was holding him. That wait ended Wednesday, June 3, when Bullock was transported to the Pend Oreille County Jail and arrested.
Other charges against Bullock are still under investigation.
A status and omnibus hearing is scheduled at 9 a.m. Thursday, June 18, with a trial following at 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3. As of Tuesday, Bullock was still held in the Pend Oreille County Jail.
TO REPORT CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES BY CALLING 1-866-363-4276 (1-866-END-HARM). THIS TOLL-FREE, 24/7 HOTLINE CONNECTS CALLERS DIRECTLY TO LOCAL CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES INTAKE. IF THE CHILD IS IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, DIAL 911 FIRST.
FAMILY CRISIS NETWORK IN NEWPORT HELPS THOSE AFFECTED BY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT AND OTHER VIOLENT CRIME. THE VICTIM SERVICES OFFICE CAN BE REACHED AT 509-447-2274. THE VICTIM SERVICES AFTER HOURS HELPLINE IS 509-447-5483. CALL ANYTIME. IF IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, DIAL 911.
