WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A convicted sex offender is back behind bars after admitting to being in a relationship with a minor.

Court documents state that Pierce County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a domestic violence incident at a home in Spanaway on Monday, Aug. 3.

The suspect, identified as 47-year-old Brian Francis, told investigators that his former partner threatened him with a knife and attempted to break into his home. Deputies located the former partner near the home and took them into custody, but quickly learned that they were under the age of 18.

In late 2022, Francis was arrested on suspicion of possessing child pornography while crossing the border into the U.S.

As part of his release conditions, Francis was prohibited from having contact with anyone under the age of 18. He is also required to register as a sex offender following an earlier conviction in California.

Francis was booked into the Whatcom County Jail Monday, Aug. 10 because he is accused of violating release conditions in a case that originated at the border.