BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A Bellingham man convicted of sexually assaulting a child in Sudden Valley has been sentenced Tuesday, Sept. 22.

Court documents state that 26-year-old John Rodgers will spend the next eight and a half years in prison, followed by lifetime community custody.

My Bellingham Now previously reported that the underage victim met Rodgers on social media in 2024. The pair met up to go for a hike and drink alcohol in Sudden Valley when the assault occurred.

Rodgers’ charges were initially dismissed after a judge found him incompetent to stand trial.

Earlier this year, medical professionals determined that his competency restoration was successful and the charges were re-filed.

Rodgers pled guilty on Aug. 6 to second-degree rape and one count of communicating with a minor for immoral purposes.