Spokane man faces child rape charges; detectives seek more victims

Connor Sarles by Connor Sarles

Detectives with the Spokane Valley Sexual Assault Unit (SAU) are investigating reports of sexual assault dating back to the 1990s.

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous tip in September 2019 regarding the sexual abuse of a young girl, identifying 64-year-old Mark S. Hoffmeister as the suspect.

This information was passed along to the SAU, and their lead investigator interviewed several people, learning that Hoffmeister and his family were involved in local gymnastics at the time, and that he had frequent contact with minors in town and out of town at gymnastics meets.

Hoffmeister was arraigned in the Spokane County Superior Court Tuesday morning with charges of second-degree rape, three counts of first-degree raping of a child and two counts of first-degree child molestation.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Now, detectives believe other people may have information on Hoffmeister and the investigation. If anyone has information, they are urged to come forward and contact Detective Brad Humphrey at 509-477-3028.

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