Suspected child rapist answered babysitting ad on Craigslist

UNIVERSITY PLACE -- Pierce County detectives say a University Place man raped a 5-year-old boy he was supposed to be babysitting.

Prosecutors have not yet charged the man, but a judge granted them a 72-hour hold on the suspect so they could investigate further.

Investigators claim the victim's mother placed an ad on Craigslist for a babysitter and even met the suspect face to face before leaving her son in his care.

Detectives say the suspect, who is not being identified, convinced the mother he had undergone a background check as a security guard and was a sergeant in the Marine Corps.

On Wednesday, investigators served a search warrant on the man's home in University Place. They won't reveal what they looked for or what, if anything, they found.

Neighbors say they saw several police cars outside. They also say the suspect lives with his own mom and dad. Investigators say they're also looking into two more rape allegations against the suspect in different states.

A judge set bail at $2 million and ordered the suspect not to go near any minors and stay away from schools and playgrounds.

An arraignment has been scheduled for next week.