CLARKSTON, WA – A Clarkston man has been arrested following an investigation into alleged inappropriate online communications with a 14-year-old girl.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Asotin County Superior Court, Jeff Tumelson, 67, of Clarkston, was taken into custody after officers with the Clarkston Police Department began investigating on August 15. The investigation was opened after the girl’s family reported concerning Facebook messages, which they described as “very sexual and predatory,” and provided screenshots to law enforcement.
Investigators stated Tumelson, who was known to the girl and her family, took the teenager shopping earlier in the week, then later exchanged private messages with her. In those messages, the police stated that he asked the girl to send photos, complimented her physical appearance, and encouraged her to delete the conversation so they would not “get in trouble.” He also reportedly told her to keep her phone safe and suggested she could confide in him.
The affidavit states Tumelson repeatedly emphasized secrecy, at one point telling the teen, “I can keep a secret if you ever want to talk,” and that they could continue communicating “as long as we are careful.”
During an interview with officers, Tumelson allegedly acknowledged sending the messages but claimed his comments were being misinterpreted. He told investigators that a reference to the girl’s body was a typographical error caused by spell-check. Officers tested this explanation and concluded that his statements were not credible.
Investigators also noted in the documents that Tumelson appeared nervous during questioning, noting heavier breathing and a breaking voice when confronted with the messages.
The girl told officers she initially did not realize the comments were inappropriate until they became more direct. She reported that Tumelson glanced at her chest during lunch, which made her uncomfortable. She added that she felt anxious and no longer trusted Tumelson.
On Sunday, Tumelson was arrested and booked into the Asotin County Jail. He faces a felony charge of communication with a minor for immoral purposes, a class C felony in Washington state.
Tumelson appeared in court on Monday. Bond was set at $20,000. His initial arraignment has been set for September 8.
