Son of sheriff’s spokesman charged with child rape, molestation

A 19-year-old former foster child of Pierce County Sheriff’s Department Spokesman Ed Troyer has been charged with child rape and molestation for allegedly having sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl.

Tacoma Police are investigating and the case was sent to
the state Attorney General’s office. Charges of third-degree child rape and third-degree child molestation were
filed on Wednesday.

According to court documents, the 14-year-old girl’s parents discovered Zachary Troyer inside their home, and suspected him of burglary. The father tackled Troyer and called 911.

The girl later admitted that she had let Troyer in the house. When first interviewed, both denied a sexual relationship. Upon later questioning, both admitted to a consensual sexual relationship, that took place inside the girl’s house after her parents went to sleep.

Zachary Troyer, who was adopted at the age of five,
is scheduled to appear in Superior Court on May 10.

Ed Troyer issued the following statement on Thursday:

“As foster parents we have raised seven kids through
foster care, including Zach, who we got when he was 5
years old,” Troyer said. “All were taken out of abusive
situations.

“Zach currently lives on his own. I would expect him to be
treated the same as other 19-year-olds facing similar
allegations of consensual sexual activity, and I’m
confident the truth will come out.”