Kennewick police say new video evidence does not support the child’s claim that the man assaulted her.
KENNEWICK – All charges have been dropped against a Kennewick man who was accused of assaulting a child who was on their way to school.
Authorities said Devin Katsel, 28, has been released from jail and he is no longer facing charges of luring and child molestation.
On October 19, police said a middle school student reported a man in a blue van drove up to them as they were walking to Park Middle School in the area of West 10th Avenue and South Benton Street. The police said the child claimed the man tried to get them into the van and grabbed them. The child allegedly told police they were able to get away and the man got into the van and drove away.
However, investigators with the Kennewick Police Department released new information in the case. They said they uncovered video of Katsel and the child talking, however, the video did not support the child’s claims of being grabbed and assaulted.
Authorities said they are continuing to investigate the case, however, Katsel has been cleared of the charges.
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