Spokane County Man Sentenced to Life for Child Molestation

Repeat offender Ryan J. Herman given life in prison without parole

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:47am

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A 32-year-old Spokane County man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being convicted of molesting two young boys, ages 7 and 9 or 10, on multiple occasions while he was watching them in his camper. Ryan J. Herman was found guilty on three counts of first-degree child molestation and received the life sentence under Washington's persistent offender law due to his prior convictions for first-degree rape of a child and first-degree child molestation.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences for repeat child sex offenders in Washington state, where the persistent offender law allows for life sentences without parole for those convicted of the most egregious crimes against children. It also underscores the importance of reporting suspected abuse and the role of law enforcement and victim advocates in investigating and prosecuting these types of cases.

The details

According to court records, the abuse began in the spring of 2018 and occurred on multiple occasions while the two young boys were in Herman's care. Herman, a friend of the boys' mother, reportedly watched the children in his camper in the Medical Lake area. The abuse was disclosed years later when the boys told a family member, who reported the allegations to law enforcement. During sentencing, prosecutors successfully argued for a life sentence under the state's persistent offender law, citing Herman's prior convictions.

  • The abuse began in the spring of 2018.
  • The abuse was disclosed years later in 2022 when the boys told a family member.
  • Herman was sentenced on January 29, 2026.

The players

Ryan J. Herman

A 32-year-old Spokane County man who was convicted of molesting two young boys, ages 7 and 9 or 10, on multiple occasions while he was watching them in his camper. He has prior convictions for first-degree rape of a child and first-degree child molestation.

Annette Plese

The Superior Court Judge who sentenced Herman to life in prison without parole.

Dallas Montaño

The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney who handled the case.

Roman Maier

The lead detective in the investigation and prosecution.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold the most dangerous offenders accountable and protect our children from further harm.”

— Dallas Montaño, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

What’s next

The court also ordered Herman to have no contact with the victims for life and to register as a sex offender for life.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the harsh penalties faced by repeat child sex offenders in Washington state, where the persistent offender law allows for life sentences without parole. It underscores the importance of reporting suspected abuse and the critical role of law enforcement and victim advocates in investigating and prosecuting these types of crimes to protect vulnerable children.