MILL CREEK — A former youth volleyball coach has been charged with attempted child rape after he allegedly agreed to meet an underage girl for sex.
Seattle police detectives arrested Ronald Swafford, of Mill Creek, earlier this month after he allegedly was caught up in a undercover online sting. Police say Swafford, 58, responded to an online advertising and began inquiring about setting up a meeting with a 13-year-old girl for sex, according to court papers filed in King County Superior Court.
Detectives say Swafford sent a picture of himself standing next to his volleyball players to the person he thought was arranging a sex date with a minor. Police were able to determine from the jerseys that the players belonged to the Northshore Junior Volleyball Program, a club team open to teenage girls. Detectives noted that Swafford was listed as the head coach of one of the teams.
He has since been fired.
Another detective, posing as a 13-year-old girl, reportedly chatted with Swafford online and they agreed to meet. Swafford allegedly described in graphic detail the sexual acts he planned with the girl, court papers said. He reportedly asked the girl to wear something sexy.
Police arrested Swafford when he showed up at the meeting location in downtown Seattle. Police say Swafford had a box of condoms and a sex toy with him.
He reportedly told detectives that he made a big mistake. He then asked for an attorney, court papers said.
King County prosecutors this week charged Swafford with attempted second-degree rape of a child and communication with a minor for immoral purposes.
Swafford was being held in the King County Jail on $300,000 bail.
Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463; hefley@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
