Vancouver police arrest third man in connection with child molestation investigation linked to La Center pediatrician
May 8-Vancouver police arrested a 61-year-old man Thursday in connection with a dead La Center pediatrician and another man held in the Clark County Jail being investigated for child molestation, according to a news release.
Detectives from the department's Digital Evidence Cybercrime Unit arrested William J. Sneiderwine at a Vancouver residence on suspicion of first-degree conspiracy to commit child molestation and tampering with physical evidence.
Sneiderwine was scheduled to make a first appearance on the allegations Friday in Clark County Superior Court.
Investigators say they believe Sneiderwine is connected to Chad Hartley, 36, and Dr. Michael Wilmington, 61.
Police began investigating in February after receiving a cyber tip that child sex abuse material was uploaded to the communications app Discord. Detectives traced the data and IP address to Hartley, court records show.
Investigators then connected Hartley to Wilmington. Authorities say Wilmington hosted naked sleepovers with at least one young child at his La Center residence.
Wilmington was found dead by apparent suicide along a Lewis County highway May 2, a day after an arrest warrant was issued for first-degree child molestation.
Hartley is facing allegations of four counts of second-degree possessing and dealing in depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, first-degree child molestation, first-degree trafficking, two counts of first-degree possessing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, two counts of first-degree voyeurism and two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.
Police say the investigation is continuing. They asked anyone aware of a child who had unsupervised contact with Wilmington or Hartley to contact local law enforcement.
Unlock all stories. Stay informed.
Starting at just $1.99/week
Become a subscriber and get unlimited access to every story, plus our ePaper and app for seamless reading anywhere. Stay informed, support local journalism, and stay connected to your community.
Subscribe today
Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.