An Aberdeen man was arraigned Monday in Grays Harbor Superior Court on charges of attempted rape of a child in the second degree and communication with a minor for immoral purposes. Ricky Dean Brungardt, 54, pleaded not guilty to both charges and remains at the Grays Harbor County Jail on $50,000 bail.

According to documents filed after his first court appearance last week, Brungardt entered the victim’s home Oct. 27 and made sexual advances toward the minor female. The victim had locked herself in a room while the suspect attempted to gain entry while continuing to make lewd comments through the door.

A sibling of the victim was also at the residence and was able to enter the room with the victim, who had called their mother at least twice before but was too hysterical to be understood. The sibling, ignoring Brungardt’s threats toward the two if they alerted anyone to what he was doing, called the mother and told her of the situation. The mother returned home and found Brungardt. When she threatened to call police he fled. Police were alerted and arrived at the residence shortly after the suspect fled but were quickly able to locate him in his vehicle. The officer who made the stop reported the strong smell of intoxicants on Brungardt’s breath, and the suspect told the officer he had drank a beer and was an alcoholic.

Brungardt was advised of his rights, at which time he stated that day’s incident stemmed from one five months earlier, when he said the victim had approached him in a sexual manner. Brungardt then claimed he had never touched the girl or exposed himself fully to the victim. Brungardt made claims he had been “set up” by the victim.

When taken to jail, Brungardt requested an attorney and questioning ended. Originally scheduled for arraignment last week, he was given time to consult with a public defender and the arraignment was held Monday.

A conviction on the attempted rape of a child charge can carry a sentence of more than 11 years, according to the State Sentencing Guidelines Commission. Communication with a minor for immoral purposes can bring a sentence of one year and several years of community custody.

Court records show the family has filed a protection order against Brungardt as well. Erin Jany, felony sex offenses prosecutor with the Grays Harbor County Prosecutor’s office, will represent the state. Chehalis attorney Christopher Baum is listed in court papers as Brungardt’s attorney. A trial date has not been set.