(Tekoa, WA) A man was arrested in Whitman County earlier this week on multiple felony counts, including human trafficking, child rape, child molestation and more.
According to Spokane County Sheriffs Office, investigators identified 32-year-old William S. Morse as a suspect who responded to Craigslist babysitting ads, contacting at least three juvenile females, ages 15, 16, and a yet to be identified 13-year-old. During the contact, Morse allegedly engaged the juvenile victims, offering them money in exchange for sexual activity, including attempting to coax them into recruiting their friends into sexual activities.
“The suspect was persistent, grooming the victims and engaging in sexual conversation, including offers to pay them several hundred dollars in cash in exchange for sex,” says a press release.
On February 11, 2025, FBI Child Exploitation/Human Trafficking Unit and Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement & Narcotics Task Force members, assisted by Spokane County Sheriff’s Investigative Unit Detectives and the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office, served a search warrant at a residence located in the 200 block of Howard Street in Tekoa, which is in Whitman County.
Morse was arrested, charged, and booked into the Spokane County Jail by Investigators. Morse remains in custody, charged with the 16 felony charges (listed above), with a total case bond of $650,000 set by Spokane County Superior Court Commissioner M. Rugel.
The charges include Human Trafficking 1st Degree (3 counts), Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor (5 counts), Promoting Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor, Rape 2nd Degree, Child Rape 3rd Degree (2 counts), Child Molestation 3rd Degree, Communication with a Minor for Immoral Purposes (2 counts), and Distribution of a Controlled Substance to Persons Under 18.
Spokane County Sheriffs Office are lead to believe others have been victimized by Morse. They urge anyone who may have information regarding Morse’s activities contact Crime Check at 509-456-2233, reference #10005341.
