Monday, December 14, 2015

Administrator Arrested for Custodial Sexual Misconduct


Arrested:  Stoker, Mindi M; 38 year of age female, Pasco resident
Charges:  Custodial Sexual Misconduct 1st Degree, Custodial Sexual Misconduct 2nd Degree

 Synopsis:
On December 7, 2015 Richland Police were notified of a possible incident involving a staff member at the Twin River’s Community Facility, 605 McMurray Street.  Twin Rivers is a juvenile rehabilitation administration facility staffed by employees of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).  It houses minors who have been convicted of felony crimes throughout Washington State.  Mindi Stoker is the acting Community Facility Administrator for Twin Rivers.

The complaint alleged that a staff member, Mindi Stoker, had sexual contact with an 18 year old resident.  Complaints of this nature are typically processed through Child Protective Services (CPS) since the facilities are licensed to house juveniles.  CPS referred the incident to Richland PD for a criminal investigation. A detective from the Washington State Patrol is also involved in investigating part of the case.
The investigation revealed that Stoker had communicated in several different formats with a client housed at Twin Rivers.  Messages contained information of a sexually explicit nature. It appears that the contact had been going on since at least October, 2015. 

The two had sexual contact on a number of different outings and trips taken together.  On some of the excursions other individuals were present and observed inappropriate contact.  The two had sex at least once in the facility located at 605 McMurray St.
A search warrant was served and a phone and computer seized.  Evidence found on the cellular phone supported the initial allegation.  A number of interviews have been conducted with staff and clients of Twin Rivers.

On December 8, 2015 RPD Detective Jansen contacted the Benton County Prosecutor’s Office.  After being briefed on the case, they authorized a 72 hour hold for Stoker.
Stoker was contacted at her residence in Pasco and taken into custody without incident.  She was booked into the Benton County jail on the above listed charges.  The investigation into this incident is continuing.

Media contacts are encouraged to call Cpt. Mike Cobb, 942-7362, with any questions.