ASOTIN, WA – A man from Asotin County has been arrested and charged with multiple felony offenses following an investigation into concerning statements made by a young child during interviews conducted by law enforcement and child protection personnel.

According to documents filed in Asotin County Superior Court, Colton Neal, 28, was taken into custody Wednesday on charges of Rape of a Child in the First Degree and Incest in the First Degree. The charges stem from an ongoing investigation that began after a guardian reported concerns about Neal’s interactions with the child.

Court records show that a child forensic interview was conducted at a Lewiston advocacy center, during which the child made disclosures that raised concerns for investigators. The affidavit indicates the child described scenarios involving lotion being applied inappropriately and made other statements about private areas of his body.

Detectives also spoke with Neal, who denied any wrongdoing and stated he has never harmed the child. Neal told investigators he has been teaching the child about personal boundaries and described their interactions as innocent and routine, including applying lotion during skin care routines.

However, the investigation included multiple interviews and reports from daycare employees, the child’s guardian, and others, which collectively led investigators to develop probable cause for the charges. The daycare staff reported changes in the child’s behavior and statements referencing putting lotion on each other, according to the affidavit.

Following his arrest, Neal was booked into the Asotin County Jail.  His initial arraignment was scheduled for Thursday afternoon. The case remains under investigation, and authorities have indicated that additional forensic analysis has been requested.

Due to a relationship between Neal and an employee of the Asotin County Prosecutor’s Office, the case has been forwarded to the Whitman County Prosecutor’s Office.