Blaine man with prior child rape convictions pleads guilty to molestation

A Blaine man who previously served prison time for child rape pleaded guilty to another case involving child molestation before his trial was scheduled to start earlier this month.

Bruce David LaVine, 72, pleaded guilty in Whatcom County Superior Court on June 6 to one count of third-degree child molestation, a lesser charge than which he was originally arrested.

In July 2019, a girl known to LaVine reported to Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies that LaVine sexually assaulted her on two separate occasions in Blaine in 2016, when she was 12 years old, according to charging documents. The girl told deputies that LaVine instructed her not to tell anyone but she came forward because she was afraid LaVine would hurt another child, the documents state.

WCSO deputies arrested LaVine on two counts of second-degree child molestation two days after the girl made the report. LaVine, whose bail was set to $100,000, was bonded out of jail two weeks later.

In 2003, LaVine was convicted of two counts of second-degree child rape, and had three child molestation charges dismissed. LaVine was ordered to 10 years in prison and three to four years of parole.

LaVine is expected to be sentenced in superior court on July 27.

The standard sentencing range for LaVine’s charge and criminal history is 3.4 to 4.5 years in prison and three years of parole, according to the plea agreement. The maximum term and fine is five years and/or $10,000.

The state recommended LaVine receive the maximum sentencing.

As part of the plea agreement, LaVine also agreed to pay restitution to the woman for charged and uncharged counts and will remain registered as a sex offender.

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic or sexual violence, the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) 24-hour hotline is available at 360/715-1563 or 877/715-1563.

Brigid Collins Family Support Center, a Bellingham-based nonprofit working to end child abuse, can be reached at 360/734-4616 and brigidcollins.org.

Lummi Victims of Crime has a 24-hour helpline at 360/312-2015. The National Domestic Violence Helpline operates a chat line at thehotline.org/help.