Investigation rendered probable cause to arrest Daniel Gray for two counts of Child Molestation in the first degree and two counts Rape of a Child in the first degree

In May of 2022, the Vancouver Police Digital Evidence Cybercrime Unit detectives initiated an investigation into Daniel B. Gray. That investigation was based on a series of reports by Gray’s family members and their friends, who alleged he had been sexually abusing young girls in his care for decades and photographing his victims. 

Detectives believed the reports were credible, but the statute of limitations to criminally charge Gray had expired. The detail and breadth of the statements, however, indicated a much deeper pattern of predatory sexual behavior than could be constrained by the narrow chronology of the initially reported abuse. Investigators began seeking additional information and evidence from within Gray’s circle of family members and associates – many of whom were understandably reluctant to speak with police.

Through a series of interviews over the course of almost a year, DECU detectives identified a series of much younger girls who had been in contact with Gray. One provided a forensic interview detailing a series of contemporary rapes and sexual assaults. Follow-up investigation rendered probable cause to arrest Gray for two counts of Child Molestation in the first degree and two counts Rape of a Child in the first degree.

Given Gray’s status as transient, law enforcement was initially unable to locate him, and a federal warrant was issued for his arrest. In April of 2024, the US Marshals Service Violent Offender Task Force and DECU investigators located and arrested Daniel Gray in Portland. Detectives learned the address where Gray had been staying. A warrant was served there the following day. Detectives located dozens of digital devices, multiple cameras (which Gray had used in his “child modeling” photography career), and reams of amateurish sexual drawings (also of children). Based on an initial screening of his digital devices, detectives rapidly developed probable cause to charge Gray with additional child sexual abuse crimes. On May 22, 2024, Gray was arrested on the newly developed charges. Gray’s digital devices are still under forensic examination.

Final charges for which Gray is awaiting trial:

• 2x counts Rape of a child in the first degree
• 2x counts Child molestation in the first degree
• Dealing in depictions of minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
• 3x counts Possession of Depictions of Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct in the First Degree,
• Possession of Depictions of Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct in the Second Degree

If you have information helpful to police regarding Daniel Gray please contact Detective Dewey at james.dewey@cityofvancouver.us or (360) 487-7446.

Information provided by the Vancouver Police Department.