Dog and foster child sexually assaulted
Longview, WA (US)

Incident Date: Wednesday, Jul 23, 2008
County: Cowlitz

Disposition: Not Charged

Person of Interest: Donald Joe Zeller

The Craigslist sale of an MP3 player led police to arrest a Longview man Wednesday on child pornography and child rape charges.

Police said Donald Joe Zeller sold his MP3 player on Craigslist. The man who bought it expected it to be blank; but instead, it contained child pornography, according to police.

The buyer called police and they arrested Zeller on charges of possession of child pornography.

Police said Zeller also sexually assaulted a 14-year-old foster child who was living in his family's home.

Court documents allege Zeller told police he has fantasies about young children. The documents also said he admitted to sexually abusing the foster child and having sexual contact with his dog.

Zeller's mother, who did not want to speak on camera, said she feels sick about the charges and said she had no warning about any problems with her son. She said he tries to help children and not hurt them.

Zeller is being held on charges of second-degree rape of a child, indecent exposure and possessing child pornography.

Prosecutors said they will decide Monday which charges they will pursue.

References

« WA State Animal Cruelty Map
« More cases in Cowlitz County, WA

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