The Brief
- Joshua Kowalczewski pleaded not guilty to raping and kidnapping a 15-year-old girl near Northgate Station, with a judge maintaining his $1 million bail.
- The assault occurred just one week after the homeless suspect was granted entry into a diversion program, despite having nine active warrants and 28 prior arrests.
- The victim’s family described the attack as life-altering, and the suspect remains under strict release conditions including electronic monitoring and no contact with minors.
SEATTLE – A 35-year-old man accused of kidnapping and raping a 15-year-old girl near Northgate Station pleaded not guilty in King County Court on Wednesday. A judge maintained bail at $1 million for Joshua Kowalczewski, who faces charges of first-degree rape and second-degree kidnapping.
The judge did not allow cameras to capture the suspect’s face during the proceedings.
The charges stem from a May 4 incident where prosecutors say a high school sophomore with learning disabilities was targeted while waiting for her bus. Kowalczewski, who is homeless, allegedly forced the girl into a wooded area where the assault occurred.…