SPOKANE, Wash. — It was a horrific scene. A four-year-old boy was mauled to death by a dog at a home in North Spokane on Halloween night.
Now, the dog's owner, 48-year-old Dustin Block, is in jail, accused of violating a court order that's been in place for the last two years.
Block appeared in court Friday. He was arrested back in May of 2021, accused of possessing child pornography and voyeurism. According to court documents, Block's girlfriend found hundreds of pornographic photos and videos on his computer. Police determined 14 images depicted minors.
Prosecutors say several photos show a man's hand exposing a sleeping juvenile girl. Police say Block knew the girl and a scar in the photo matches the scar on his hand
Block was released without bond in 2021 and is awaiting trial. The conditions of his release state he's to have no contact with minors under the age of 18.
"Your honor, this child should have never been around Mr. Block, should never have been in his home," prosecutors said. "Had he not been there that night, he would not have been attacked by this dog and presumably still be alive."
According to court documents. Block admitted to police his girlfriend's grandson stayed with them every other week.
"Officers observed that Mr. Block appeared to be extremely intoxicated and noted slurring of words and he was unable to stand, he also admitted to law enforcement he was drinking wine when the incident occurred," prosecutors said.
"I do find there's probable cause that he violated his conditions of release," court commissioner Eugene Cruz said.
Prosecutors asked the court to impose a $50,000 bond. Block's attorney, Timothy Note, argued for a lower bond and says once Block learned there was a warrant for his arrest, he turned himself in immediately.
"There's no indication that he is or has ever been any kind of threat to any kind of male juvenile," Note said. "I would ask that you consider the imposing, something substantially less than $50,000.
However, the judge found the bond to be appropriate, raising it to $100,000. Block is scheduled to go on trial for possessing child pornography and voyeurism this December.
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