BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Lynden man accused of sexually assaulting a woman at knifepoint at a Bellingham park has pleaded not guilty.
Court documents state that 35-year-old Joseph Drager entered the plea during his arraignment in Whatcom County Superior Court last Friday.
He’s charged with rape, robbery and assault in connection to an attack at Little Squalicum Park on Aug. 20.
The 48-year-old victim, who has Downs Syndrome, told police that the suspect stole her purse and phone after the assault.
Investigators from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office used surveillance footage to identify Drager as the suspect, and he was arrested roughly a week after the incident occurred. Drager remains at the Whatcom County Jail without bail.
His trial is tentatively scheduled to begin on Oct. 10 and is expected to last four days.
