Bellingham man arrested by Whatcom Sheriff and charged with rape following report in Laurel

A Bellingham man was arrested Tuesday by Whatcom County Sheriff’s deputies and charged with third-degree rape.

Nurlan Levi Varner, 20, was placed under arrest by deputies who were dispatched to a rape report in the 100 block of West Hemmi Road in Laurel, east of Ferndale.

Deputies made contact with the victim on Monday, Sept. 4, who reported being sexually assaulted by the suspect.

Varner was booked into the Whatcom County Jail and later released on bond.

No other details were immediately available.