April 7, 2026
Olympia, Wash. – The Washington State Patrol (WSP) High Tech Crimes Unit (HTCU), in coordination with federal and state partners, has arrested an Olympia man following an investigation into child exploitation and related offenses.
On December 8, 2025, HTCU investigators identified activity involving the sharing of suspected child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through a peer-to-peer network linked to an IP address in Olympia.
After confirming the material and serving a subscriber warrant, investigators identified a residence associated with the activity and subsequently obtained a residential search warrant.
On March 30, 2026, HTCU detectives, assisted by the FBI SWAT team, WSP Field Operations Bureau, and WSP Criminal Investigation Division, served the search warrant at the residence. A suspect was detained at the scene.
During the search, investigators located numerous digital files depicting the sexual abuse of minors on the suspect’s computer. The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Robert D. Welliever, was arrested and booked into the Thurston County Jail on the following charges:
• Possession of Depictions of a Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct – 1st Degree
• Possession of Depictions of a Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct – 2nd Degree
Bail was set at $100,000.
Further forensic examination of the suspect’s devices revealed additional evidence of unlawful recording activities involving individuals in public locations throughout Thurston County. Based on this evidence, additional charges are expected, including:
• Voyeurism – 1st Degree
Investigators believe there may be additional victims. Anyone who believes they may have been impacted or has information related to this case is encouraged to contact WSP Detective Bradley Beattie at (360) 489-4683 or Bradley.Beattie@wsp.wa.gov.
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Release sent by Sergeant Jermaine Walker, Public Information Officer