Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus blasts lack of notice on Kevin Coes release

Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus condemned the King County Sheriff’s Office for not notifying the city about the relocation of Kevin Coe, a convicted sex offender with a violent past. Coe, infamously known as the “South Hill Rapist,” was moved to Auburn without any prior communication to local officials, igniting concerns about public safety. Backus argued that such decisions undermine community trust and should involve advanced notification to local jurisdictions. The Auburn Police Department plans to verify Coe’s location and ensure he complies with registration requirements while notifying the community as permitted by law. The mayor emphasized that Auburn should not be treated as a “fallback option” for difficult placements elsewhere.

She also mentioned ongoing collaboration with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe to explore potential remedies. This situation underscores the need for improved transparency and cooperation among law enforcement agencies. The city’s proactive approach to public safety challenges is crucial, especially involving individuals with documented histories of violence.