Today Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist charged Kasey Curulla, 18, with Luring and Communication with a Minor for Immoral Purposes. The 13 year old victim was walking home from school when the defendant attempted to grab him.

“Our children should be safe going to and from school,” said Prosecutor Mark Lindquist. “We vigorously prosecute those who victimize our most vulnerable citizens.”

At 3:30 p.m., Nov. 4, the victim passed the defendant near a bus stop on a University Place sidewalk. The defendant said, “Hi,” and the victim returned the greeting. The defendant asked the victim what grade he was in. The victim responded that he was in seventh grade. The defendant told the victim he was going to hate junior high and asked him if he wanted to make an extra $10. He told the victim it would only take about 20 minutes. The victim said he had to get home because his mother was expecting him, and the defendant suggested the victim could tell his mother he was late because he “got stuck in a conversation.” The victim declined the offer and the defendant reached for him. The victim pulled away and ran home through the woods.

Detectives contacted the defendant at his high school and the defendant eventually admitted that he offered the victim money to go to a secluded area with him and engage in sexual conduct. The defendant told detectives that he has “urges,” that are not right, and he receives a “rush” when he exposes himself to people. He said it’s like a “drug.”

The week prior to the incident, the defendant was parked in his car near an intermediate school and shouted profanities at students walking by, offering to perform sexual acts on the young boys.

The defendant was arraigned today and bail was set at $75,000. Charges are only allegations and a person is presumed innocent unless he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.