Bellingham Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying potential victims of rape. Recently, Bellingham Police took Julio C. Ortiz-Ortiz, age 27 of Bellingham, into custody based on probable cause for Attempted Rape in the 2nd Degree and Unlawful Imprisonment with Sexual Motivation stemming from an incident occurring on Nov. 18, 2023. He was booked into the Whatcom County Jail following his arrest.
It is likely there are more victims, locally in Bellingham, and potentially in nearby cities, to include Seattle.
“We are concerned for Bellingham’s vulnerable population. To best protect our community, we need help from the public to better identify the scope of what we are dealing with,” said Chief Rebecca Mertzig. “We are providing the community with Ortiz-Ortiz’s photo to see if there are additional victims. It is an extreme injustice when a person’s existing vulnerabilities expose them to victimization and predatory behavior.”
Victims are believed to be vulnerable men, such as those who are experiencing homelessness, or men incapacitated by alcohol and/or other substances.
Ortiz-Ortiz is known to have picked up victims in a black, two-door, extended-cab Toyota Tacoma with a stainless-steel storage bench in the open bed. The Washington license plate on the vehicle is C24711N. The vehicle is currently impounded by Bellingham Police Department.
Ortiz-Ortiz is approximately 5’ 7” tall, weighing approximately 260 lbs.. He has long dark wavy hair, brown eyes, and a dark complexion. Ortiz-Ortiz is bilingual, speaking English and Spanish.
Anyone with any information concerning incidents of sexual assault, or similar incidents, involving Ortiz-Ortiz is requested to call the non-emergency dispatch line at 360-676-6911.
Incident Review
On 11/18/2023 at about 0517 hours, Bellingham Police responded to a call regarding a man outside who was out of breath, shoeless, and stated that someone had tried to rape him. When the victim saw BPD officers, he reported that he was picked up earlier in downtown Bellingham, near the docks. The victim alleged that a man named “Jay” brought him to his home, gave him alcoholic beverages, and then told him he could take a shower. The victim alleged that “Jay” tried to come into the bathroom multiple times during the shower. When the victim got out of the shower, he got dressed and was confronted by “Jay”, who was making unwanted, aggressive sexual advances toward him. The victim told “Jay” he wanted to leave but “Jay” blocked him from leaving. A physical fight ensued. The victim was able to fight his way out of the apartment but was so fearful for his safety that he left some of his belongings behind, including his shoes.
Investigation led to “Jay” being identified as 27-year-old Julio C. Ortiz-Ortiz. Investigation also established probable cause to get search warrants and ultimately probable cause for his arrest regarding Attempted Rape in the 2nd Degree and Unlawful imprisonment with sexual motivation relating to the Nov. 18, 2023, incident.
Investigation also indicates that Ortiz-Ortiz had previous similar unwanted sexual encounters with men. Ortiz-Ortiz has a documented history of picking up men experiencing homelessness and offering them food, alcohol, and other enticements like a shower or a place to be warm. In other situations, Ortiz-Ortiz allegedly victimized male individuals known to him who were incapacitated.
Bellingham Police are concerned there are other victims. The investigation is ongoing.
Need Help?
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, you can contact the following local resources for free, confidential support:
Lummi Victims of Crime, 360.312.2015
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services, 360.715.1563
WWU CASAS, 360.650.3700
Brigid Collins Family Support Center 360.734.4616
