Port Townsend, Washington, man pleads guilty to molesting young child while on Canadian vacation

Tacoma, WA – A 62-year-old Port Townsend, Washington, man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to a federal felony for molesting a 6-year-old child while on a vacation in Canada.  JOHN TIMOTHY WHICHER faces a maximum prison term of 30 years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle on May 18, 2020.  As part of the agreement, the parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 8-12 years in prison.

According to records filed in the case and the plea agreement, in August 2017, WHICHER took the 6-year-old child to Canada to stay at a family cabin in Ontario.  When the child returned from the trip, the child disclosed to a parent the sexual molestation, saying WHICHER said to keep it a secret.  The parent confronted WHICHER and reported the conduct to the Port Townsend Police.

According to the plea agreement, WHICHER will be required to register as a sex offender following his release from prison.  He is also responsible for an undetermined amount of restitution to the victim for the damages the victim suffered.

The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Hampton.