San Juan County Sheriff reacts to no bail for Chan S. Choi after multiple Class A felonies added (WITH CORRECTION)
Monday, January 13, 2025
by Jeff Noedel
CORRECTION: In this video interview, Jeff inaccurately said (twice) a recording of the Superior Court arraignment is available to hear on the San Juan County website. That is not true. It was possible to listen-in on the proceeding, but only in real-time. We conflated the District Court policy of offering recordings with the Superior Court. We apologize for mis-stating the fact.
ORIGINAL: In May 2024, San Juan Island resident Chan S. Choi was arraigned in San Juan Superior Court for sex charges against a minor. The alleged victim is a family member. Choi was released on his own recognizance, meaning no bail was required.
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Department continued to investigate the case and found probable cause for more severe crimes related to the same alleged victim.
Recently, the State of Washington filed additional charges, this time more severe Class A felonies. If convicted, Choi could face life in prison. Today at approximately 4:30 p.m., the State asked the Court to require $500,000 in bail, due to the increased severity of the new charges.
San Juan County Superior Court Presiding Judge Kathryn C. Loring declined to set any bail, but did order further restrictions on the defendant, including a prohibition against being anywhere near where children congregate, such as schools, parks, or playgrounds. And Choi will be required to appear in-person at future hearings in his case.
Judge Loring stated repeatedly that Washington law requires a judge to order the “least restrictive” conditions, in balance with public safety needs. Loring noted that Choi has no previous criminal record, has extensive family ties on San Juan Island, and there is no indication he has firearms.
The State argued that the alleged crimes, now allegedly more violent than previously known, occurred in secret over many years.
Following today’s hearing, San Juan County Sheriff Eric Peter appeared in an interview with SanJuans.Today. Here is that interview.
NOTE: Every person accused of any crime is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
