Rape charges dismissed against former Gig Harbor child care employee

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — Charges have been dismissed against a former employee at a Gig Harbor child care center who was accused of sexually assaulting a child.

The News Tribune reports the case against 28-year-old Parker Trotter was dismissed last week after his trial in March ended in mistrial when the jury was unable to reach a verdict.

According to court documents, Trotter was charged with four counts of child rape last year after a 5-year-old girl told her parents that he had touched her inappropriately during nap time at the Little Steps Christian Learning Center.

Prosecutors requested the Pierce County court to dismiss the case without prejudice, saying a new trial would unlikely result in a conviction.

Trotter denied the allegations. Defense attorney Brett Purtzer says his client is "relieved that it's over."