Former counselor pleads not guilty

Matt Baide | Jun 22, 20230

Matt Baide count

Former Shelton High counselor Samuel Martin Caffey, appearing in Mason County Superior Court via video Tuesday, faces child rape, molestation and drug charges.

Samuel Martin Caffey pleaded not guilty to three charges at his arraignment hearing Tuesday in Mason County Superior Court.

Caffey's lawyer asked Superior Court Judge Daniel Goodell if he would entertain an argument on bail reduction at the arraignment and a motion to reduce bail was heard Wednesday after the Journal's print deadline. The former Shelton High School freshmen counselor's omnibus hearing is scheduled for July 3, the pretrial hearing July 24, the trial term will begin Aug. 1 and the final start date for the trial is Aug. 21.

Caffey was charged with third-degree rape of a child, third-degree child molestation and controlled substance distribution to a minor after he was arrested by the Mason County Sheriff's Office June 2 at his Mason County residence. He made his initial court appearance June 5.