Three charged in connection with Bellingham child sex trafficking investigation

Bellingham, Wash. — Annie Lorraine Malm and Brandon Keith Edwards are accused of facilitating sexual contact between Kyle Kenneth Strode and a minor in exchange for methamphetamine.

Two Bellingham residents were charged in February 2026 following a 2024 investigation into the sexual abuse and trafficking of a minor.

Annie Lorraine Malm, 42, and Brandon Keith Edwards, 38, both of the 1500 block of Texas Street, are each charged with 2nd-degree trafficking and 3 counts of conspiracy to commit 3rd-degree rape of a child. These charges follow the October 2024 arrest of Kyle Kenneth Strode, 46, who currently faces charges of 3rd-degree rape of a child, commercial sexual abuse of a minor, communication with a minor for immoral purposes, and 2 counts of distribution of a controlled substance to a person under 18 in Whatcom County Superior Court.

According to affidavits of probable cause filed by the Bellingham Police Department, Malm and Edwards assisted Strode in obtaining Bellingham hotel rooms. Investigators allege these rooms were used by Strode to engage in sexual contact with a minor in exchange for methamphetamine provided to Malm and Edwards.

Click for more information

Surveillance records indicate Strode used the name of Edwards to rent a room in the 3900 block of Bennett Drive on October 17, 2024. Witnesses reported that Strode provided methamphetamine to 2 minors while at the hotel.

Court records show the following judicial actions:

Strode appeared for a preliminary hearing on October 25, 2024, where the court found probable cause and set bail at $100,000.
Malm was arrested on February 1, 2026. The court set bail at $40,000 or $4,000 cash.
Edwards appeared in court on February 13, 2026. The court set bail at $100,000 and issued a no-contact order prohibiting him from contacting the minor or coming within 1,000 feet of the minor’s residence, school, or workplace.

Strode is a 10-time convicted felon with previous convictions for theft, identity theft, and assault. Edwards has previous felony convictions for 2nd-degree trafficking stolen property and possession of a stolen vehicle. Malm’s criminal history includes a guilty plea for violation of a protection order.