The Frederick Police Department has charged a Vancouver, Washington man for a sex offense committed in in 1997.
**Updated Release**
On 6/19/14, at approximately 0200 hours, the suspect in this case, Eric Estes, was returned to Frederick, and the warrant in this case was served at the FCADC. Estes received a $50,000 bond and was released. The booking photo related to this case has been uploaded.
Case#: 2007-66240
Lead Investigator: Det. Doug Ames
Author of Release: D/Sgt. Joe Hayer @ 301-600-1265 or jhayer@frederickmdpolice.org
**Original Release**
On November 25, 2007, the Frederick Police Department began an investigation into a sexual molestation allegation involving a 25 year old male who allegedly touched, and engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with a 13 year old male victim, between April 1997 and September 1997. The case was investigated at that time, but due to the lack of adequate information which would lead to a prosecution, the case was suspended.
In May, 2014, the Vancouver Police Department contacted the Frederick Police Department after learning new information related to the 2007 investigation. As a result, investigators from the Frederick Police Department, Vancouver Police Department, and Clark County, Washington, Sheriff’s Office, initiated a joint investigation, and the 2007 case was reopened. Det. Doug Ames of the Frederick Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division was assigned as the lead investigator. Investigators in Washington State were able to confirm the initial allegations when the suspect, who now resides in Vancouver, was reinterviewed. This resulted in probable cause being established for the initial allegation.
On 6/11/14, charges were issued in this case for the following:
• Child Abuse (27 35C b1)
• Sex Offense Third Degree (27464B)
• Attempted 2nd Degree Sex Offense
The suspect was arrested on 6/11/14 in Washington State and is awaiting extradition to Maryland. He is identified as:
Eric Meredith Estes
W/M, 9/4/1972
14000 Block 7th Ave NE
Vancouver, WA 98685
Further information regarding the victim in this case is being withheld since the victim was a juvenile at the time of the incident.
The Frederick Police Department would like to thank the allied agencies for their assistance. Anyone with additional information related to this case is asked to contact Det. Ames of the Frederick Police Department at 301-600-1253. Anonymous information may be provided by calling 301-600-TIPS.
Case#: 2007-66240
Lead Investigator: Det. Doug Ames
Any questions related to this release should be directed to Lt. Clark Pennington, at 301-600-3935