Charges dropped against man suspected of luring student
By Dan Thesman on Friday, October 28th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
KENNEWICK – A Kennewick man who was arrested and booked for the alleged crimes of luring and second-degree child molestation involving a middle school student is no longer facing criminal charges. On Friday, Devin Katsel, 28, was released from the Benton County Jail and the charges dropped after detectives located additional video of the reported incident.
On Oct. 19, a female middle school student reported she was walking to Park Middle School when she passed a vehicle in the area of West 10th Avenue and South Benton Street. As she passed the vehicle, she stated that Katsel attempted to engage her in conversation, exited the vehicle, approached her, attempted to coax her into the van, and grabbed onto her in the process. She reported being able to flee from Katsel who returned to his van and left the area.
The vehicle and Katsel were identified on Oct. 21, located the same day, interviewed, and taken into custody without incident.
The video that detectives from the Kennewick Police Department located captures the encounter of the two individuals but does not support the student’s reported claim. After an additional interview with the student, it was determined that the luring and child molestation did not take place. The video confirms Katsel did contact her while in his van and engaged her in conversation as she walked to Park Middle School. KPD continues to investigate that conversation.
Communication between KPD and the Benton County Prosecutor’s Office resulted with Katsel being immediately released from jail and the luring and child molestation charges being dismissed.
