LYNDEN, Wash. -- A man is facing rape charges after allegedly attacking a female co-worker at a berry farm near Lynden.

Thirty-two-year-old Francisco Diego-Esteban was arrested on Sunday and was charged with second degree attempted rape on Wednesday.

Whatcom County Undersheriff Jeff Jarks says the 28-year-old victim reported that the suspect was groping her while they worked together in the field on hammer road all last week.

Parks says the suspect tore off the victim's shirt, exposing her chest, during the attack last Friday.



He says the suspect tried to pin the victim against a piece of farm equipment, but she was able to fight back and escape.

The victim also told deputies that the suspect threatened her, saying she would be fired if she reported the attack.