TACOMA — A Washington state trooper is facing charges he failed to immediately report child-abuse allegations against his father.
The News Tribune of Tacoma reported Wednesday that Pierce County prosecutors have accused 25-year-old trooper Justin Hamrick of two counts of failing to comply with mandatory reporting laws.
He’s been summoned to Superior Court for arraignment on Dec. 24.
Investigators said Hamrick learned in June 2011 that his father, Scott Hamrick, had been abusing two adopted daughters at the family home in Eatonville, but didn’t report it for nearly three weeks.
Scott Hamrick, a lieutenant with a local fire district, later committed suicide.
Justin Hamrick does not appear to have a listed telephone number, and the newspaper said it was unable to reach his attorney.
Prosecutor Mark Lindquist said law enforcement officers are bound by law to to immediately report any allegations of child abuse or neglect.
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