Bellingham man suspected of repeatedly raping 2 young girls at a babysitter's

May 22--A Bellingham man is believed to have repeatedly sexually assaulted two young girls he was familiar with for more than a year and a half while they were at a babysitter's.

Bellingham Police on Tuesday, May 19, booked Saul Neri Jimenez, 40, into Whatcom County jail on suspicion of multiple counts of first-degree child rape and first-degree child molestation, and jail records show he is being held in lieu of $250,000 bail.

According to Whatcom County Superior Court documents filed Wednesday, police were notified after 8- and 10-year-old sisters notified a parent that they had been sexually assaulted by Neri Jimenez multiple times while they were at their babysitter's.

A forensic child interview by Brigid Collins Family Support Center revealed that the sexual abuse had been going on since the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year, court documents state.

In addition to raping the young girls, Neri Jimenez also forced one to watch pornography on his phone while she sat on his lap, according to documents.

Resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, you can contact the following local resources for free, confidential support:

-- Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services: 24-hour Help Line: 360-715-1563, Email: info@dvsas.org.

-- Lummi Victims of Crime: 360-312-2015.

-- Bellingham Police: You can call anonymously at 360-778-8611, or go online at cob.org/tips.

-- WWU Consultation and Sexual Assault Support Survivor Advocacy Services: 360-650-3700 or wp.wwu.edu/sexualviolence/.

-- Brigid Collins Family Support Center: 360-734-4616, brigidcollins.org.

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