SEQUIM — The Clallam County Sheriff’s office says a Sequim man was arrested for attempting to sexually exploit two children.
Fifty two-year-old Craig Gallauher was arrested Friday night after investigators allege he tried to exploit a nine-year-old boy and a ten-year-old girl at a campsite near the Dungeness River, south of Railroad Bridge Park. The incident occurred between March 31 and April 4 this year, while the children were left in Gallauher’s care by their parents, who considered him a trusted family friend.
According to a press release, the children asked Gallauher to take them fishing during their visit to his campsite. Gallauher allegedly responded by demanding they undress for photographs and sit on a “sex chair,” described as a circle of dirt near a tree at the campsite. Feeling uncomfortable, the children fled the area. Gallauher reportedly warned them that they could not leave without him and that “monsters would come and get them” if they did not return.
Following the incident, CCSO Detectives conducted forensic interviews with each child separately, confirming details that established probable cause for Gallauher’s arrest.
Just before 10:00 p.m Friday, Sequim Police Officers apprehended Gallauher near W. Brackett Rd. and Juniper Mobile Estates. He was booked into the jail on attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and two counts of Luring.
Detectives searched the area near Dungeness Railroad Bridge Park and located a campsite matching the children’s description. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities encourage anyone with additional information to contact the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office.