Teen couple charged with child rape

TACOMA, Wash. — According to a probable-cause affidavit filed in Pierce County Superior Court, Parker began a sexual relationship with a 12-year-old girl in December 2012.

Over the course of several weeks, Parker allegedly had sex with the girl repeatedly, with Elwanger helping him.

“The girlfriend’s role seems to be to assist our suspect, who is an adult, having sex with a 12- and 13-year-old girl," said Pierce County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Detective Ed Troyer.

According to court documents, Elwanger helped arouse Parker prior to sexual encounters with the girl, and on one occasion drove the two around the Yelm area in a car while Parker had sex with the victim in the back seat.

Parker is from Yelm and Elwanger told the court she is from Rainier.

Parker allegedly admitted having sex with the girl, who is now 13, during interviews with investigators, but claimed it was the victim’s idea and that she “threatened to have sex with another male if Parker did not have sex with her."

According to court documents, the victim told detectives Elwanger was "fine with them having sex" and "described it [her sexual relationship with Parker] as 'the mistress thing."

Parker is quoted telling investigators he felt sorry for her because she was alone.

“We believe our victim has some mental-health issues and she was a very vulnerable target and she was someone who could be very easily manipulated," said Troyer.

Both Parker and Elwanger pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree child rape.  Parker’s bail was set at $1,000.  Elwanger was released without bail.

KIRO