MOSES LAKE — Grant County Major Crimes Unit arrested Hunter Gray, 18, of Moses Lake for suspicion of second-degree rape of a child and communication of a child for immoral purposes. 

The investigation into Gray began in May when the victim confided in an adult about sexual assaults that began in February, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Detectives learned that inappropriate social media communication between Gray and the child victim occurred before the sexual assaults.  

Detectives were searching for Gray on Wednesday and arrested him during a traffic stop in Moses Lake.  

Anyone who feels they may have more information regarding this case is encouraged to call 509-762-1160. 

Gray is lodged in the Grant County Jail as of Thursday morning, according to the Grant County Jail roster. He does not have a listed bail amount.  

Communication with a minor for immoral purposes is a violation of RCW 9.68A.090.1, which if convicted, is a gross misdemeanor but can be escalated to a class C felony if the suspect has previous convictions or the communication is done via electronic devices.  

Second-degree rape of a child is a violation of RCW 9A.44.076 which, if convicted, means the suspect had intercourse with a child who is between 12 and 14 years old and the suspect is at least three years older than the victim. It is a class A felony.  

“If anybody believes that they are the victim of sexual assault, find someone that you trust, and talk with them and work towards getting law enforcement involved, so the person who committed the crimes can be held accountable,” GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said. “We have many resources in Grant County, including New Hope and Kids Hope they're available to help victims become resilient and navigate the criminal justice system.” 

In Grant and Adams counties, New Hope can be contacted at 888-560-6027. New Hope’s resources can also be reached by contacting local police departments. The national sexual assault hotline can be contacted at 800-656-4673.