DEMING, Wash. – Another multi-million-dollar settlement has been reached in the case of a developmentally disabled man who was kept in a filthy shack in Deming for over 30 years.

Court documents state that the NW Regional Council has been ordered to pay over $9.3 million, most of which will go to a trust benefitting 66-year-old James Rupke.

Rupke has severe developmental and coginitive disabilities, and had been living in a decrepit shack on his caregiver’s property since the late 80’s.

The caretaker, 91-year-old Alf Vatne, is accused of physically, sexually, financially, and emotionally abusing Rupke while under his care.

Rupke was finally removed from Vatne’s property in March 2022 following numerous complaints to the NW Regional Council, the state Dept of Social and Health Services, and Adult Protective Services.

Earlier this year, Whatcom County Superior Court also approved a $13 million settlement that was paid by DSHS.

Charges against Vatne have not been filed by Whatcom County.