In brief: Help sought finding suspected molester

The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward for information that leads to the arrest of a 44-year-old accused child molester.

Kenneth John Freeman is wanted on multiple counts of first-degree child rape as well as federal charges of manufacturing, possessing and distributing child pornography, according to a press release from the agency.

Freeman, a former reserve deputy with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, was first arrested in Richland on three counts of first-degree sexual assault of a child in November 2005, the agency said. He was released on $50,000 bond and later fled after additional charges were filed against him.

Freeman failed to appear before a Richland court in March, and has now been added to the U.S. Marshals’ list of 15 most-wanted fugitives.

A $25,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his arrest.

Freeman is white, 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighs 250 pounds, with hazel eyes and brown hair. Because of his history in law enforcement, the agency believes he may be armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information is asked to call (800) 336-0102.

Everett

US Bank robbery suspect arrested

A man suspected of robbing the US Bank on Queen Avenue in Spokane has been captured in Everett. Michael H. Hunter, 54, was arrested over the weekend by the Everett Police Department, which had been notified that Hunter was possibly in the area, said Spokane police Officer Teresa Fuller.

Among the items the robber left behind following the Dec. 13 robbery was an envelope addressed to someone in Everett, Fuller said.

She said Hunter was trespassing with other transients when arrested Saturday. He will be returned to Spokane shortly, Fuller said.

OLYMPIA

Drivers can save on Tacoma Narrows toll

Drivers who install automatic toll-collection devices in their vehicles could cut their tolls on the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge in half under a plan proposed by Gov. Chris Gregoire.

Gregoire’s state budget proposal includes $10 million for the toll discount plan. The idea must be approved by the Legislature, which convenes in early January.

The money would cut the regular $3 round-trip toll to $1.50 for the first year, for those who get transponders installed in their cars.

GREAT FALLS

Stolen Christmas decorations recovered

A Christmas Nativity set, stolen from a couple’s yard here just before Christmas, has been recovered along with a number of other still unclaimed decorations.

Tom and Clarice Evans were saddened last Wednesday morning when they walked out their front door – on the way to Tom’s cancer treatment – and found their Nativity set missing.

One of their daughters gave them the unique set more than a decade ago.

A Great Falls police officer called the couple Saturday afternoon with news that it had been recovered.

“When we got it back, there was nothing but plain glee and happiness because we’ve enjoyed it for so many years,” Clarice Evans said Tuesday.

The Evanses’ ornaments were found with a collection of stolen lawn decorations cached in and around a garage on the city’s north side. Other recovered items included a plastic Santa Claus, a snowman and four reindeer – all still waiting at the police station to be claimed.

The owners of the garage called the police Friday afternoon after finding the items stacked in their garage and in the alley.

“I just feel sad for people that have to do that,” Clarice Evans said of the thefts. “It’s just kind of beyond my comprehension that someone would steal a Nativity.”

Compiled from staff and wire reports