BELLINGHAM, Wash. – A former Whatcom County Deputy Sheriff was arrested on Wednesday, July 12th, on charges including rape, burglary and assault.

Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Deb Slater said that 23-year-old Austin Case of Ferndale was hired in January and was on his probationary period when he was terminated on Wednesday before his arrest.

The Sheriff’s Office was notified on June 29th of social media conversations that contained allegations against Case that would constitute crimes.

Case was put on leave and an internal investigation began.

The Skagit and Island County Mutual Aid Response Team was contacted and requested to investigate the allegations of crimes being committed by Case from two victims.

Though the investigation is still ongoing, the Response Team arrested Case on charges of rape, extortion, burglary, assault with sexual motivation and two counts of unlawful imprisonment.

The alleged crimes occurred while Case was with the Sheriff’s Office but not while he was on duty.