Bail set at $100K for Walla Walla man facing 11 child rape charges
By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
WALLA WALLA — A Walla Walla man faces multiple counts of child rape following his arrest late last week, authorities said.
Ismael Aaron Castro Garcia, 39, was booked into the Walla Walla County Jail on Friday. He made his first court appearance on Monday afternoon before Walla Walla County Superior Court Judge Patricia Fulton, where he was formally read his rights and the charges against him.
According to prosecutors, Castro Garcia is charged with 10 counts of first-degree rape of a child with a domestic violence designation, as well as one count of second-degree rape of a child. The maximum penalty for a Class A felony in Washington state is life in prison, a $50,000 fine, or both.
During the hearing, Walla Walla County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kelly Buerstatte noted that while Castro Garcia does not have a prior criminal history, the allegations are “extremely concerning.” Buerstatte alleged that the victim, who recently turned 12, was subjected to at least 10 or 11 instances of sexual abuse over a period lasting several years.
The court set Castro Garcia’s bail at $100,000 with no cash alternative. If he is able to post bail, the judge ordered that he be placed under house arrest with electronic home monitoring. In addition, a domestic violence no-contact order was issued, barring Castro Garcia from contacting the minor victim, the victim’s mother, or other members of the household.
A public defender was appointed to represent Castro Garcia. His formal arraignment has been scheduled for next Monday at 11 a.m.
