DEER PARK, Wash. — Donald Hardesty faced a judge for the first time Friday for seven charges of child rape and molestation.

According to court records, the abuse started when she was an 8-year-old and continued for years. The victim told investigators her mother let Hardesty live with them, presenting him as a cousin.

The abuse started when the victim's mother was living in McCall, Idaho, and continued after she moved to Deer Park in 2019, the victim said. She had visitation with her mother from June to July and said Hardesty would force her into sex almost every day of those summer visits.

Court records show she reported Hardesty to her mother and to police in 2024. Police in McCall launched an investigation and found probable cause to charge Hardesty.

Court records allege when Hardes

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