Seattle police sergeant jailed on child molestation charges

LAKE FOREST PARK, Wash. — Dressed in the orange jumpsuit of a King County Jail inmate, 43-year-old Daniel Amador seemed subdued as he arrived for his first court appearance Saturday, standing where suspects he has booked have stood during his more than two decades as a police officer.

Amador, a veteran sergeant with the Seattle Police Department, was arrested on suspicion of child rape and molestation Friday.

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) received a report April 1 from  two female relatives alleging the abuse.

Police personnel notified Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O'Toole and Office of Professional Accountability (OPA) Director Pierce Murphy.

SPD investigators then handed the investigation over to Lake Forest Park detectives; because the alleged abuses occurred in their jurisdiction.

With the help of Kirkland police and the King County Sheriff's Office, the officer was taken into custody without incident.

On Saturday, the King County deputy prosecutor asked that a high bail be set.

"The state has significant concerns to danger to the community as well as the safety of the victims in this case," King County Deputy Prosecutor Michelle Morales said.

Amador's pregnant girlfriend and mother stood in support until the judge ordered them to sit.  His father pleaded for leniency.

"I don't see him as somebody that would try to run away or anything like that," said Daniel Amador Sr.

But the judge disagreed and set bail at $750,000.

"These are or were extremely vulnerable victims," King County District Judge Arthur Chapman said. "It appears to be what I would consider to be predatory behavior."

Amador's mother told KIRO 7 off camera that he is a decorated officer, having received a medal for bravery.
 
But a lawsuit was also filed against him in 2010 for alleged police brutality.
 
The county prosecutor has until  Wednesday to file formal charges.

Cox Media Group