SPOKANE, Wash. – A man accused of kidnapping a woman appeared in court for two probation violations, including first-degree assault and kidnapping, even though he has not formally been charged with assault or kidnapping.
51-year-old Joseph Parisien and alleged victim Amanda Pakootas said they were in a relationship and were getting out of town for the weekend, and no kidnapping occurred, they said.
The other violation was for drinking alcohol during his probation, which the court said he did on Tuesday. He was arrested later that day, according to Spokane Police.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office said he doesn’t need to be officially charged for the court to hold him; they only need sufficient evidence that the crime occurred. He could face criminal charges later.
Washington State Patrol, the agency in charge of those missing person alerts has a list online of the criteria needed to activate the system.
An indigenous person is missing due to unexplained, involuntary, or suspicious circumstances and/or is believed to be in danger because of age, health, adverse weather, or other circumstances and is believed to be unable to return to safety without assistance.There is enough descriptive information available that could reasonably assist with the safe recovery of the person such as: photos, height, weight, age, hair color, distinguishing physical characteristics, clothing, etc.The incident has been reported to and is being investigated by law enforcement.
The court ordered Parisien not to contact any alleged victims or witnesses, including his girlfriend. A joint preliminary and detention hearing was set for Tuesday, May 7th, but the judge said it would likely be moved.
Parisien remained in jail on a U.S. Marshal hold.
