Sex Predator Foiled Two Lie Detector Tests

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By By Bryan Johnson

Summary

Deception allowed Joseph Aqui to hide illegal affair from authorities, prosecutors say.

Story Published: Jun 11, 2001 at 12:19 PM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 30, 2006 at 11:35 PM PDT

Sex Predator Foiled Two Lie Detector Tests
KING COUNTY - A prosecutor says released sex predator Joseph Aqui had two extramarital affairs and looked at pornography on the Internet.

A hearing under way in court in Seattle will determine whether Aqui violated terms of his release from the special commitment center.

Aqui, the first sex predator released from our state's special commitment facility, apparently was able to pass two lie detector tests after having the illegal affair, prosecutors said.

Four years ago, Joseph Aqui convinced the courts he was ready to leave the Special Commitment Center on McNeill Island and return home to College Place in Eastern Washington.

Part of the judge's order was that Aqui have no sexual contact with a woman other than his wife.

But prosecutors say Aqui had oral sex at his home with a fellow church member while his wife and children were away. They say Aqui then passed two lie detectors, one in the fall of last year and one this spring.

Anonymous Tip Leads To Admission

After an anonymous tip about the tryst, the state Department of Social and Health Services scheduled another lie detector test, and Aqui admitted the incident before he was even hooked up to the polygraph.

In King County Superior Court, records show a second incident of oral sex with a different woman last year. Both incidents were consensual and one of the women reportedly told Aqui: "You won't be violating the court order, I will be."

Psychologists say Aqui apparently convinced himself that oral sex was not sex and that enabled him to pass the lie detector.

Prosecutors want a judge to order Aqui returned to the center for sex offenders. Aqui's attorneys argue there has been no indication that he's engaging in a pattern than threatens the community where he lives.

A transportation snafu prevented Aqui from attending the Monday hearing. He listened in by telephone.

Aqui is expected in court Tuesday when the judge may decide if he can go home or must be locked up.