Arraignment set for Renton man charged with child molestation

Arraignment is Sept. 29 for a 23-year-old Renton man charged with multiple counts of first-degree child molestation in incidents involving two young girls – one at his church and at a girl's home.

Arraignment is Sept. 29 for a 23-year-old Renton man charged with multiple counts of first-degree child molestation in incidents involving two young girls –  at his church and at a girl’s home.

Robert Daniel Baugh III is being held on $100,000 bail at the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent, where his arraignment will occur.

In requesting the $100,000 bail, prosecutors wrote that the “defendant poses an unacceptable risk to children in the community if released without bail.” Prosecutors also wrote that Baugh showed “an alarming lack of remorse and recognition of the damage his actions could cause.”

Baugh was convicted as a juvenile of first-degree child molestation. According to charging documents, he is a level 1 registered sex offender, a classification given to those least likely to reoffend.

Accompanied by his parents, Baugh surrendered to police on Sept. 13 at the Renton Police Department at City Hall.

During an interview with detectives, Baugh admitted he had touched the girls, a 7-year-old and a 3-year-old, according to charging documents. He told detectives he touched the girls “as an impulse, and he didn’t know why he did it.”

The incident at the One New Man Church, 17418 108th Ave. S., occurred while other children were present, according to prosecutors.