Exposes Washington Fire Chief Facing 37 Child Abuse Charges

Introduction

A volunteer fire chief in Ilwaco, Washington, has been charged with 37 counts of child sexual abuse, including first-degree rape and molestation. The Pacific County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jefferey S. Archer on Jan. 9, and he has pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Jan. 16.

At a Glance

• Chief charged with 37 counts of child sexual abuse.
• Arrested Jan. 9, booked into Pacific County Jail.
• Pleaded not guilty at Jan. 16 arraignment.
• Why it matters: The case involves allegations of repeated abuse against minors, raising concerns about safety within the local fire department.

Arrest and Charges

On Jan. 9, deputies from the Pacific County Sheriff’s Office and partner agencies executed a search warrant at a home, detaining Archer shortly thereafter. He was booked into the Pacific County Jail and posted $500,000 bail. The charges listed in court documents are:

• 10 counts of first-degree rape of a child
• 21 counts of first-degree child molestation
• 4 counts of second-degree child molestation
• 1 count of dealing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct
• 1 count of possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct

Archer was placed on administrative leave from the Ilwaco Volunteer Fire Department following his arrest.

Investigation Background

The investigation began after the Pacific County Sheriff’s Office received reports of possible child molestation and rape involving Archer. Two boys came forward with allegations:

• One unnamed boy claimed he was sexually abused by Archer every weekend for five months in 2019, receiving marijuana and alcohol in exchange for the acts.
• Another boy, who was 18 at the time, was said to have had an “intimate relationship” with Archer, according to a statement of probable cause.

Court documents indicate the alleged abuse may have started in 2013. The investigation was prompted by these reports, leading to the arrest and subsequent charges.

Fire Department Response

City administrator Holly Beller told the Seattle Times that Archer began working as a part-time fire chief in Ilwaco in 2021 and was hired as full-time chief in November 2023. She added:

> “The city will continue to monitor the investigation by the Pacific County sheriff’s office and respond appropriately as the matter is resolved,” Beller said. “The city of Ilwaco and the Ilwaco Fire Department are deeply committed to protecting the citizens of Ilwaco in the meantime.”

The department has placed Archer on administrative leave and is awaiting further developments from the prosecutor’s office.

Legal Proceedings

Archer pleaded not guilty to all 37 charges during his arraignment on Friday, Jan. 16. The Pacific County Prosecutor’s Office announced that additional charges may be filed if evidence of further victims emerges. The case is currently pending in court, with Archer remaining in custody.

Timeline of Key Events

Community Impact

The allegations involve repeated sexual abuse of minors, a serious violation that has shocked the Ilwaco community. The local fire department’s leadership is under scrutiny, and residents are calling for transparency and accountability.

What’s Next?

• The prosecutor’s office may file more charges if new evidence surfaces.
• Archer’s case will be heard in court, where he will have the opportunity to contest the allegations.
• The Ilwaco Fire Department will continue to monitor the situation and cooperate with law-enforcement investigations.

Key Takeaways

• Jefferey S. Archer, Ilwaco volunteer fire chief, faces 37 child sexual abuse charges.
• Arrested Jan. 9, booked into Pacific County Jail, and posted $500,000 bail.
• Pleaded not guilty at arraignment on Jan. 16.
• Investigation stemmed from reports by two boys alleging abuse in 2019 and earlier.
• The fire department has placed Archer on administrative leave and is monitoring the case.

The case remains a developing story, and updates will follow as the legal process unfolds.