Custer man arrested on suspicion of rape

A Custer man who was arrested on suspicion of second-degree rape has been released on bond.

Lenell Ryan Stanford, 36, was arrested on April 26 after a woman left from his home and called 911 to report being sexually assaulted, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed in Whatcom County Superior Court.

Around 10 p.m. on April 24, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies responded to an area near Valley View and McGee roads where the victim was located. Court records show the woman told deputies that she tried pushing Stanford off of her and repeatedly told him to stop. The woman went to the hospital for a sexual assault examination after providing her statement to law enforcement, according to the affidavit.

When questioned by WCSO deputies on April 24, Stanford, who police said appeared intoxicated, said he didn’t remember his encounter with the woman, according to the affidavit. Deputies returned to Stanford’s home in the early morning of April 26 and Stanford told the deputies that the sex was consensual, according to court records. WCSO deputies proceeded to arrest and book Stanford into Whatcom County Jail for second-degree rape. 

Stanford was released the same day he was arrested on a $2,000 cash bond. His arraignment is scheduled at 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 5.

A sexual assault protection order was put in place between Stanford and the woman.

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.