Washington man arrested, charged with sex offender registry violation

WASHINGTON — The Washington Police Department has arrested and charged Kenneth Koch, 35, of Washington with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registry Requirements (Class D felony) and two counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor (Simple Misdemeanor).

Earlier this month, officers received information that Koch had been communicating with minors using a social media platform and that he was purchasing and providing the minors with vape products.

Koch’s most recent registration with the Washington County Sheriff in January did not include the user profile for the social media account. Registered Sex Offenders are required by law to provide all relevant information during each registration, including all internet identifiers.

Information obtained through the investigation showed that Koch had communicated with both minors using the social media app and the profile he used was found associated with two internet service providers that could be linked to Koch, including his residence in Washington.

“This case came to our attention, thanks to an alert parent of one of the minors and another complainant who observed suspicious activity on social media,” said Washington Chief of Police Jim Lester. “This is a perfect example of how important it is for parents to monitor what their children are doing online.”

Koch has previously been convicted of Dissemination of Obscene Materials to a Minor, Sexual Abuse Third Degree, and Sex Offender Registry Violations.

A Class D felony may be punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of at least $1,025 but not more than $10,250. A Simple Misdemeanor is punishable by up to thirty days in jail and a fine of at least $105 but not more than $855.

Koch was arrested by the Washington Police Department around 4:45 p.m. on March 31 and transported to the Washington County Jail, where he is being held on a $5,600 cash only bond.

The Washington Police Department was assisted in the investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington County Attorney’s Office.

NOTE: A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the person charged is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.