Lacey man in jail for allegedly abusing boy, 8

A Lacey man was being held Thursday night at the Thurston County Jail on suspicion of child rape after a 8-year-old who lives in his neighborhood told authorities he’d been abused.

Paul Harris, 47, who lives on Axis Street, was arrested on Christmas Day after he allegedly exposed himself to children from the window of his home that day, court papers state. Also according to court papers:

Lacey police began an investigation after Harris’ arrest. Harris denied exposing himself. The 8-year-old later told parents that Harris had sexually abused him. As an investigation has continued, three more victims have reported seeing Harris exposing himself from the window of his home.

“There is also another allegation where he allegedly had sexual contact with another young female,” court papers state.

Lacey detectives arrested Harris at his home Wednesday.

Harris was being held on suspicion of first-degree child rape and first-degree child molestation. His bail was set at $100,000 during a court hearing Thursday.