MT. SHASTA, Calif. – More witnesses are coming forward after a northern California bed and breakfast innkeeper was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a female victim.
The Mt. Shasta Police Department said on May 16, a female told police she was sexually assaulted by the host of the MountInn Retreat and Spa on Birch Street.
Two days later, the host was arrested and booked into the Siskiyou County Jail for sexual battery and other charges. He was identified as 73-year-old David Roy Knowles, Sr.
On May 25, police said they searched the bed and breakfast and seized a computer, business records, a cell phone, and other evidence. In addition, more witnesses contacted police after news of the initial arrest broke.
“We want to assure anyone that provides information that your confidentially can and will be protected,” Mt. Shasta police said. “We believe that there are still victims of Knowles who are unknown to law enforcement and may be hesitant or fearful to come forward. You are not alone, and we will stand with you and the other brave victims who have contacted us.”
The Siskiyou County District Attorney’s Office sent out the following statement encouraging victims to come forward:
“We appreciate the hard work being done by the Mt. Shasta Police Department to investigate this case. We are also aware that some witnesses or victims may wish to remain anonymous. We implore you to reconsider. We strongly sympathize with all victims of sexual assault and the significant challenges victims may face. All victims of sexual assault need and deserve to be vindicated by having others who have had the same experience stand shoulder to shoulder with them to help them bear their burden. District Attorney Kirk Andrus stated, ‘If you are a victim or a witness to these or similar events, please contact the police department or my office and discuss the situation with us. You can do this with complete confidentiality, and nobody will force or compel you to testify in public.'”
Anyone with further information about this case is encouraged to call the Mount Shasta Police Department at 530-926-7540.
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