ILWACO — The Pacific County Sheriff’s Office arrested an Ilwaco man after an investigation uncovered an allegation he improperly communicated with a minor. The incident was brought to light after an alleged 16-year-old victim disclosed an incident to a therapist.

State and federal law mandate patient confidentiality, with a few exceptions. In this case, the Federal Child Abuse Prevention Act requires therapists and other professionals to report to law enforcement child abuse, including “sexually explicit conduct.”

According to court records, the investigation was reported to the sheriff’s office on Sept. 24, 2024, after the alleged victim told a therapist their driving instructor had sent them a sexually explicit photo.

The driving instructor is David S. Campbell, 64, who owns the Gotta-Go Driving School based in Ilwaco.

The original investigation began on Sept. 30, 2024, by Deputy Justin Smith, who learned that the alleged incident occurred on Aug. 13, 2024. The incident was not immediately reported to law enforcement because Campbell allegedly paid hush money.

“[The alleged victim’s] father contacted Campbell, who refunded the class fee and paid an additional $100.00 for them to remain silent,” Det. Kevin Acdal stated in court records.

The incident reportedly occurred during a Zoom session in which the alleged victim asked for a copy of a missing worksheet.

“Instead, Campbell sent [the alleged victim] a picture of his genitalia,” Acdal states in court records. “[The alleged victim] described the picture as a full-body image. Campbell appeared to hold the camera low…Campbell’s face was visible.”

According to court records, when the alleged victim showed her parents the photo, her father contacted Campbell, who said it was “accidental.”

The alleged victim also reportedly thought it was an “accident,” and that is why the incident went unreported to law enforcement.

In exchange for keeping quiet, the family received a full refund for the driver’s education class and an additional $100. The alleged victim also went on to acquire their license.

Although the incident appeared to be isolated, the alleged victim told investigators, “Campbell made other girls uncomfortable and acted inappropriately toward them in the past.”

Campbell was arrested on March 10 and booked into the Pacific County Jail Services for felony counts of improper communication with a minor and witness tampering.

He appeared for a preliminary hearing in the Pacific County Superior Court on March 11. Judge Donald J. Richter set his bail at $5,000. He will appear next for an arraignment hearing on March 14.