Kent grandmother accused of sexually assaulting six children Charge: Woman forced children to drink urine, feces

A South King County grandmother is facing child sex charges following allegations that she systematically abused at least six children staying at her home.

King County prosecutors contend Rose Marie Johnson forced the children to have incestuous sexual contact with one another while also making them drink excrement as punishment.

"According to the victims and other witnesses, the defendant engaged in a pattern of abuse, including physical, sexual and psychological, against several children over many years," Senior Deputy Prosecutor Charles Sergis said in court documents.

"Many of her crimes cannot be prosecuted because the statute of limitations has passed. Based on her actions … the defendant poses a serious threat to the community, especially any children she comes in contact with."

Johnson, 54, was first investigated by Kent police in 2008 after a boy living at her home reported he was being physically and sexually abused by Johnson. Writing the court, a Kent detective said that investigation did not result in charges because the youth's claims could not be substantiated.

In March, Kent authorities revived the investigation after another child staying with Johnson came forward to Auburn police.

In statements later backed by several other children, the girl told police Johnson had forced her to have sexual contact with other youths beginning at age 5. Johnson, she said, made them have incestuous sexual contact as she watched as punishment or for small amounts of money.

"Although all of the victims knew what Rose Johnson was making them do was wrong they did as they were told out of fear of being 'whooped' if they refused," the Kent detective said in court documents.

Writing the court, the detective noted that Johnson had lived in Kent, Federal Way and Auburn from 2001 to 2006, when much of the abuse was occurring. Court records show that Johnson -- also known as Rose Marie Harris -- currently lives in Auburn.

While much of the physical abuse reported to authorities occurred outside the statute of limitations on assault, prosecutors have charged Johnson with three counts of first-degree child molestation.

While a $150,000 warrant for her arrest has been issued, Johnson remains out of custody pending her arraignment, currently scheduled for Wednesday in King County Superior Court.