FBI Child Exploitation/Human Trafficking Unit and RAVEN Task Force Investigators Arrest Suspect for Multiple Sex Crimes Involving 15/16-Year-Old Victims
** Additional Victims/Witnesses Sought **
FBI Child Exploitation/Human Trafficking Unit and RAVEN (Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement & Narcotics) Task Force Investigators developed probable cause to charge a 32-year-old male suspect with multiple sex crimes, including Human Trafficking, Commercial Sex Abuse of a Minor, Rape, Child Rape, Communication with a Minor for Immoral Purposes, and Distribution of a Controlled Substance to Persons Under 18.
Through the ongoing investigation, Detectives found information indicating the suspect contacted at least three victims (between the ages of 13 and 16) by replying to babysitting ads on Craigslist. The victims made their age clear and that they were under 18 years old, but the suspect was persistent, grooming the victims and engaging in sexual conversation, including offers to pay them several hundred dollars in cash in exchange for sex.
FBI Child Exploitation/Human Trafficking Unit and RAVEN Investigators believe there are additional people who the suspect may have contacted, communicated with, or possibly know of others who may have been victimized. They request anyone who may have information regarding this suspect or have information that could help with this investigation to contact Crime Check at 509-456-2233, reference #10005341.
Through a lengthy investigation into reported criminal child sexual abuse that occurred in late 2024, FBI Child Exploitation/Human Trafficking Unit and RAVEN Task Force members developed probable cause to charge 32-year-old William S. Morse with Human Trafficking 1st Degree (3 counts), Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor (5 counts), Promoting Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor, Rape 2nd Degree, Child Rape 3rd Degree (2 counts), Child Molestation 3rd Degree, Communication with a Minor for Immoral Purposes (2 counts), and Distribution of a Controlled Substance to Persons Under 18. These charges include proposed/attempted crimes.
Investigators identified Morse as the suspect who responded to Craigslist babysitting ads, contacting at least three juvenile females, ages 15, 16, and an as yet unidentified 13-year-old. During the contact, Morse engages the juvenile victims, offering them money in exchange for sexual activity, including attempting to coax them into recruiting their friends into sexual activities.
On February 11, 2025, FBI Child Exploitation/Human Trafficking Unit and RAVEN Task Force members, assisted by Spokane County Sheriff’s Investigative Unit (SCIU) Detectives and the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office, served a search warrant at a residence located in the 200 block of Howard Street in Tekoa, Washington (Whitman County).
Morse was arrested, charged, and booked into the Spokane County Jail by Investigators. Morse remains in custody, charged with the 16 felony charges (listed above), with a total case bond of $650,000 set by Spokane County Superior Court Commissioner M. Rugel.
We are releasing Morse’s picture as Investigators believe additional people may have had similar contact with Morse, communicated with him, or know of others who may have been victimized. They urge anyone who may have information regarding Morse’s activities, know of anyone he has had similar contact with, or have any information that may help with this investigation to contact Crime Check at 509-456-2233, reference #10005341.
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RAVEN is comprised of members of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, Spokane Valley Police Department, Washington State Department of Corrections, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
This Spokane County Sheriff Office news article "Investigators Arrest Suspect for Multiple Sex Crimes Involving 15/16-Year-Old Victims" was originally found on https://www.spokanecounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=7