A Bellingham man accused of raping his younger sisters over a seven-year period pleaded guilty to three charges in Whatcom County Superior Court on Thursday, Aug. 22.
Brian Drake, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree rape of a child, one count of first-degree incest and one count of second-degree child molestation. During the seven-minute hearing, Drake spoke quietly as he said he was guilty.
Drake was arrested nearly 11 months ago and faced 22 charges relating to the abuse of two victims, according to court records.
The amended information document showing the charges Drake pleaded guilty to states the abuse happened between 2004 and 2009. The rape charge and child molestation charge occurred between 2004 and 2009 with one of the victims. The incest charge related to the second victim who said the abuse happened between 2005 and 2009.
His brother, Aaron Drake, faces charges relating to the abuse, too.
Aaron Drake is also facing a separate child sex crime case in Billings, Montana, in which he is accused of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl who was known to him. He’s expected to have a change in plea hearing on Aug. 28 in the Montana matter. Aaron Drake was identified as a civil structure/designer for POWER Engineers, according to his LinkedIn profile.
The victims, who were family members, were between the ages of 4 and 11 when the abuse began between 2002 and 2005, while living at an address in the Marietta-Alderwood area west of Bellingham, according to initially filed court documents. The first victim didn’t notify police until February 2023.
During an interview with law enforcement in September 2023, Brian Drake admitted to the abuse of his sisters, according to court documents.
Drake is expected back in court for sentencing in 60 days following the completion of a pre-sentencing evaluation.
Drake had his own art business in Bellingham and a website, briandrakeart.com. He at one time painted murals on the exterior of a local business, Bellingham Marine Repair Inc.
First-degree rape of a child is a Class A felony. Drake could face up to life in prison and a fine up to $50,000. First-degree incest and second-degree child molestation are Class B felonies, punishable with up to 10 years in prison.
This story has been updated to add more information from the amended information document.
Annie Todd is CDN’s criminal justice/enterprise reporter; reach her at annietodd@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 130.
