Westport man arraigned for multiple child molestation charges

A man arrested in April for alleged molestation of children was arraigned in Grays Harbor Superior Court on Monday afternoon.

Wade Eric Iseminger, 56, was charged with first-degree child molestation, three counts of second-degree child molestation, and three counts of fourth-degree assault. Iseminger's attorney, Luke Laughlin, entered a plea of not guilty for all charges.

The charges come in connection to activities alleged to have happened while Iseminger was employed as a sixth-grade teacher at the Ocosta School District, where Iseminger has worked for 29 years, according to charging documents. A rapid police investigation on April 22 resulted in Iseminger's arrest by the Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Office.

Presiding Superior Court Judge David L. Mistachkin was emphatic in warning Iseminger that any attempt to flee would be met with punishingly high bail.

"You are not to leave this jurisdiction," Mistachkin said during the arraignment. "I'll make it a billion dollars."

While released on bail, Iseminger is forbidden to contact any victims, students or children, go on school property or to possess any pornographic materials, under the conditions of release.

The school district is cooperating fully in the investigation, according to a statement released by Superintendent Heather Sweet, and a substitute teacher has replaced Iseminger for the remainder of the school year.

Iseminger was quiet and unanimated throughout the arraignment, speaking only when required to directly answer a question.

Jennifer Zorn represented the prosecutor's office at the arraignment. A tentative trial date was scheduled for Aug. 1.

Contact Senior Reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or mlockett@thedailyworld.com.