Video: Whidbey Island man accused of raping several children

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COUPEVILLE, Wash. – A babysitter accused of raping and molesting several children on Whidbey Island is being held on $250,000 bail.

Nathan Martinez, 21, of Oak Harbor was arraigned Monday in Island County court on 30 counts of crimes against children.

According to investigators, Martinez met several families while he was attending services at an Oak Harbor church. After befriending them, some of the families asked Martinez to babysit their children, ranging in age from three to 12.

It was then, and other times while visiting families at their homes, that prosecutors say Martinez raped, molested and tried to molest a total of 10 children.

"I really feel for them. I've got children and … it's just your worst nightmare," said Gregory Banks, Island County Prosecutor.

Family members of the victims who were in court Monday did not want to be interviewed. At the church where Martinez is alleged to have met his victims, nobody answered the door.

"I think it's really sad, but I don't think it's the church's fault," said Britney Stephenson, Oak Harbor resident.

In a police report, one of Martinez's alleged victims describes the horrible things she says happened to her.

In that same report, an Oak Harbor Police detective writes, "I asked him if these children told the truth about what he did to them. Martinez stated, 'Yeah, I don't call 'em a liar in any way.'"

"I think it's pretty sad that a man would use church as a reasoning to babysit kids and then get close to people and take advantage of that," said Bree Charlesworth, Oak Harbor Resident.

Martinez faces a minimum of 20 years in prison if convicted on the current charges. Investigators are looking into the possibility that there are more victims.

If Martinez posts bail, he will have to go on electronic monitoring.