Jordan Paoli, a 43-year-old Friday Harbor man, is being charged with one count of child molestation in the first degree, a Class A felony, and two counts of unlawful possession of firearms, each a Class C felony.

Details of the case

In June, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office received a request for an agency assist from the Grantsville City Police Department in Utah regarding Paoli. A father had contacted them about an incident with his 12-year-old child.

After speaking with the Grantsville City Police, a recorded forensic interview with the minor was provided.

The child stated that the incident occurred on San Juan Island when they were sleeping between Paoli and their younger brother. Two older brothers were asleep on a nearby sofa chair. The minor was half asleep when they accidentally put their hand on Paoli’s penis, thinking it was the younger brother’s hand, and squeezed it.

When Paoli asked, “How does that feel?” the child realized what Paoli was doing and that Paoli did not have any pants on. The child stated they thought it was their fault, and “felt scared, terrified and guilty.”

The 12-year-old stated that Paoli apologized in the morning, and said he had been drinking, and made them promise they would not say anything, including to their mother.

On June 9, San Juan County detectives attempted to interview Paoli, but he asked to speak to an attorney, saying, “This was kind of surprising to him,” and asked if a crime had been committed. Detectives responded that they were trying to determine that, and Paoli said, “I know that there hasn’t.” Paoli was then escorted back to jail, and the detectives got a search warrant for Paoli’s house. The king-size bed and sofa chair mentioned in the minor’s interview were found as described.

During the investigation, according to court documents, it was discovered that Paoli had been unlawfully in possession of firearms due to a prior conviction of domestic violence assault in Clark County, Washington, in 2024. After listening to one of Paoli’s conversations from the Skagit County Jail, detectives were able to determine that he had given the guns to his mom.

His mother confirmed she had two guns that were his. She surrendered a Century Arms RAS-47 and a Taurus Specturm .380 to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on June 30. Both appeared to be functioning, but according to court documents, they will be tested at a later time.

Court

At the arraignment hearing on Sept. 15, bail was set at $50,000. An omnibus hearing is scheduled for Oct. 15.

Paoli’s previous criminal history includes three DUIs, domestic violence, assault in the fourth degree and disarming a police officer.