Indecent exposure case is dismissed
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
COLLEGE PLACE – Walla Walla County District Court Judge John Knowlton has dismissed a case of indecent exposure against Arnold S. Barrett, 79, a licensed social worker and therapist practicing in College Place. Knowlton concluded the city of College Place had not presented sufficient evidence.
Barrett was cited in 2021 for indecent exposure after a teen delivered the family’s rent money to Barrett’s apartment. Barrett allegedly answered the door wearing only a t-shirt. In his ruling, Knowlton said Barrett had a right to be naked in his own home.
“The city believes the judge made the wrong decision and fear his ruling sets a dangerous precedent which would allow those who are inside their home to knowingly expose themselves to a person outside their home with no consequences,” College Place Prosecutor Rea Culwell said.
Since the judge’s decision last Thursday, Culwell said multiple other individuals have contacted the city about similar behavior by Barrett. “The city will be gathering more information and conducting further necessary investigations,” Culwell said.
