Rape charge possible for Port Angeles man

Next court hearing set for Wednesday

PORT ANGELES — A Port Angeles man is facing a possible rape charge for the alleged assault of his girlfriend.

James E. McMahan, 34, was released from the Clallam County jail on his personal recognizance Monday. He was ordered to re-appear in Superior Court at 1 p.m. Wednesday for the possible filing of a criminal charge.

“I anticipate the state will be filing charges,” Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney Mark Nichols said Monday.

Port Angeles police alleged in court papers that McMahan raped his girlfriend last week. McMahan was booked into jail at 3:13 a.m. Friday for investigation of second-degree forcible rape.

The alleged victim told police that she and McMahan had consumed alcohol at her Port Angeles residence before the assault.

McMahan allegedly ignored the woman’s commands of “no” and “stop,” Officer Tyler Mueller said in the affidavit for probable cause.

Nichols requested a $10,000 bail for McMahan and a sexual assault protection order preventing McMahan from having any communication with the alleged victim.

“The state does have concerns based upon the violent nature of the allegations,” Nichols said in a Monday court hearing.

Superior Court Judge Brian Coughenour released McMahan without bail, citing his lack of criminal history, but ordered McMahan to have no contact with the woman.

“You’re a long-term member of the community,” Coughenour told McMahan.

“You’re employed. You don’t have any criminal history where there’s indication that you would fail to appear in court. I don’t think you’re a risk to leave the community.

“I don’t see any violent criminal history,” Coughenour added.

“This is a domestic violence matter, so I’m going to use the least restrictive alternative, which is that you don’t have any contact with her whatsoever.”

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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.

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