Level 2 sex offender to live in Oak Harbor

A Level 2 sex offender being released from jail today will live at an Oak Harbor home on Highway 20, according to the Island County Sheriff’s Office.

Eletise Asoau, a 32-year-old Oak Harbor man, in March pleaded guilty by Alford’s plea to attempted child molestation in the second degree. An Alford’s plea means he didn’t admit his guilt, but acknowledges that the prosecution has enough evidence to find him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

The sheriff’s office categorized Asoau as a Level 2 sex offender, which means he’s considered a moderate risk to reoffend.

Asoau was originally accused of raping his nephew’s 13-year-old friend who was sleeping over at the apartment where Asoau lived with family members. The prosecutor accepted the plea bargain because of difficulties with the evidence and the risk of losing at trial.

Asoau consistently denied the allegations and claimed the boys made up the story because they don’t like his sexual orientation. Asoau is a transgender male and prefers to dress as a woman, according to the sheriff’s office.

Asoau has a criminal history that spans three states, but it includes no other sex crimes, according to the public notification from the sheriff’s office. In the most serious case, he was convicted in California in 2003 of threats with intent to terrorize, assault of a police officer / emergency personnel, obstructing a public officer and disorderly conduct.

Once released from jail, Asoau will live in the 33000 block of Highway 20 in Oak Harbor. He’s described as an Asian male, five-foot-nine and 190 pounds.

Contact Whidbey News Times Assistant editor Jessie Stensland at jstensland@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360.675.6611 ext. 5056.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.