OTIS ORCHARDS, Wash. — Federal and state law‑enforcement agencies announced the arrest of Austin Winchester, 58, on November 4, 2026, after a coordinated fugitive investigation linked him to a King County felony warrant involving serious child sex crimes.
Arrest details
Winchester was taken into custody at approximately 6:10 p.m. in the 5000 block of North Del Rey Drive, Otis Orchards. The King County Superior Court warrant lists two counts of commercial sex abuse of a minor, two counts of third‑degree rape of a child, and two counts of communicating a minor for immoral purposes.
Multi‑agency effort
The U.S. Marshals Service highlighted that the operation was a joint effort across Eastern and Western Washington. Participants included the Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force, the Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force, Spokane Valley Police Department detectives and deputies, the FBI, the Post Falls Police Department, and the King County Sheriff’s Office.
Focus on protecting children
Marshals officials reiterated their commitment to locating individuals wanted for serious crimes, especially those involving children. While Winchester is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, the swift action underscores the priority given to child safety by federal and local partners.
How the public can help
Authorities continue to encourage anyone with additional information to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, call the 24‑hour tip line at 1‑877‑926‑8332, or submit a tip via email to [email protected].
Original reporting: KHQ Spokane (news) — read the source article.
