Patients authorized to possess or grow marijuana for medical reasons under Washington law would be limited to 24 ounces of harvested marijuana..
By Carol M. Ostrom
Seattle Times health reporter
Patients authorized to possess or grow marijuana for medical reasons under Washington law would be limited to 24 ounces of harvested marijuana, plus six mature plants and 18 immature plants, according to an official draft rule filed by the state Department of Health today.
The filing of the draft rule starts a rule-making process and a public-comment period. A hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 25 in Tumwater, Thurston County.
The draft reduces amounts earlier considered by the health department and revealed in a "talking points" memo used to brief Gov. Christine Gregoire in February. Health-department officials said in the February memo that they planned to recommend 35 ounces of harvested marijuana plus 100 square feet of plant-growing area.
Gregoire's staff told health-department officials the amount appeared to be on the high side, and that law enforcement and medical providers should be consulted. The health department convened an advisory panel that included law-enforcement officials, advocates and a single doctor — a public-health HIV/AIDS expert who does not care for patients directly.
Law-enforcement officials have said their main concern is being able to distinguish legitimate patients from those who are hiding behind the law to grow and sell large amounts of marijuana. They said they consider 3 ounces a reasonable amount for the 60-day supply specified in Washington's law, passed by voters in 1998.
That law allows patients with certain chronic, fatal or debilitating diseases to possess a 60-day supply with a doctor's authorization.
Carol M. Ostrom: 206-464-2249 or costrom@seattletimes.com
Experienced legal counsel to cannabis businesses, entrepreneurs, and patients.
Seattle, Washington (206) 728-0200
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Bail set in fatal hit-and-run
P-I STAFF
Bail was set at $250,000 Friday for a Tukwila man suspected of running over and killing a pedestrian and leaving the scene of the accident.
The suspect, 29, made his first appearance at the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent, where he remained in custody. He could face charges of vehicular homicide. Prosecutors have until Monday to make a charging decision, spokesman Dan Donohoe said.
Deputies were called around 11:30 p.m. Thursday after someone reported a body in the road in the 9700 block of Des Moines Memorial Drive, near Boulevard Park. Witnesses said the victim, identified as Albi Mendez-Perez, 22, of Renton, had been struck at least twice by a minivan that sped off, court documents say.
Earlier, the suspect and Mendez-Perez were spotted fighting at nearby Rascal's Casino. They were told to leave and continued fighting in the parking lot. Deputies were called about the fighting but were unable to find either man at the casino.
Security guards recorded the suspect's license plate, which deputies used to track him down after they suspected the victim was one of the two men fighting.
Bail was set at $250,000 Friday for a Tukwila man suspected of running over and killing a pedestrian and leaving the scene of the accident.
The suspect, 29, made his first appearance at the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent, where he remained in custody. He could face charges of vehicular homicide. Prosecutors have until Monday to make a charging decision, spokesman Dan Donohoe said.
Deputies were called around 11:30 p.m. Thursday after someone reported a body in the road in the 9700 block of Des Moines Memorial Drive, near Boulevard Park. Witnesses said the victim, identified as Albi Mendez-Perez, 22, of Renton, had been struck at least twice by a minivan that sped off, court documents say.
Earlier, the suspect and Mendez-Perez were spotted fighting at nearby Rascal's Casino. They were told to leave and continued fighting in the parking lot. Deputies were called about the fighting but were unable to find either man at the casino.
Security guards recorded the suspect's license plate, which deputies used to track him down after they suspected the victim was one of the two men fighting.
river arrested for DUI in fatal head-on crash
By HECTOR CASTRO
P-I REPORTER
A woman involved in a fatal head-on collision Friday night has been arrested for investigation of driving under the influence.
Washington State Patrol trooper Cliff Pratt said the woman suffered a broken ankle in the crash, but was booked into the King County Jail after treatment.
"She didn't even know her ankle was broken," Pratt said.
The collision happened around 10 p.m. on state Route 18 near the Tiger Mountain Summit, the State Patrol reported.
A woman driving a sedan near the summit crossed into the opposing lanes of traffic and collided head-on with a Volkswagen bug, Pratt said.
While the driver of the sedan was easily extricated, the driver of the bug, a 27-year-old woman, and a male passenger in the sedan, were trapped in the wreckage. Firefighters had to cut both victims out of the vehicles.
Both were said to be in critical condition and one later died, but Pratt was unclear which of the victims was deceased.
The highway was closed in both directions for several hours after the collision to allow troopers to investigate.
P-I REPORTER
A woman involved in a fatal head-on collision Friday night has been arrested for investigation of driving under the influence.
Washington State Patrol trooper Cliff Pratt said the woman suffered a broken ankle in the crash, but was booked into the King County Jail after treatment.
"She didn't even know her ankle was broken," Pratt said.
The collision happened around 10 p.m. on state Route 18 near the Tiger Mountain Summit, the State Patrol reported.
A woman driving a sedan near the summit crossed into the opposing lanes of traffic and collided head-on with a Volkswagen bug, Pratt said.
While the driver of the sedan was easily extricated, the driver of the bug, a 27-year-old woman, and a male passenger in the sedan, were trapped in the wreckage. Firefighters had to cut both victims out of the vehicles.
Both were said to be in critical condition and one later died, but Pratt was unclear which of the victims was deceased.
The highway was closed in both directions for several hours after the collision to allow troopers to investigate.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Registered sex offender sentenced to 17 ½ years in prison in child porn case
A registered sex offender from Des Moines was sentenced today to 17 ½ years in prison for possessing hundreds of images of child pornography...
By Noelene Clark
Seattle Times staff reporter
A registered sex offender from Des Moines was sentenced today to 17 ½ years in prison for possessing hundreds of images of child pornography.
Chief U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik sentenced Kenneth Gouin, 49, to near the 20-year maximum for the offense "for the safety of whatever community Mr. Gouin is released into," he said. Gouin's twin brother, Kevin Gouin, was sentenced in 2006 to 37 months in prison for possession of child pornography for the same incident.
The brothers' sister-in-law alerted Des Moines police that her adolescent son had seen child pornography on the computer the brothers shared, according to testimony and court records. Police found hundreds of printed images and numerous CDs and floppy disks containing child pornography.
Kenneth Gouin admitted he had acquired child pornography via the Internet. He told police that he had saved the images on his computer for years, and that he would regularly spend eight hours a day on the computer, according to court papers.
"He has molested children in the past, and his recent criminal conduct using the most graphic of photographs of child sexual molestation for his own sexual gratification fixes him on the very slippery slope leading to a return to actual molestation when the images no longer suffice," prosecutors said in a sentencing memo.
Kenneth Gouin, who holds Canadian citizenship, fled to Canada following the search and was extradited in October. He was convicted in a bench trial in U.S. District Court in Seattle in March.
He will likely be deported after he serves his prison sentence in the U.S., according to the U.S. attorney's office.
Kenneth Gouin was previously convicted of molesting children between November 1986 and January 1987. Kevin Gouin held no prior convictions, said Emily Langlie, spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's office.
Noelene Clark: 206-464-2321 or nclark@seattletimes.com
By Noelene Clark
Seattle Times staff reporter
A registered sex offender from Des Moines was sentenced today to 17 ½ years in prison for possessing hundreds of images of child pornography.
Chief U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik sentenced Kenneth Gouin, 49, to near the 20-year maximum for the offense "for the safety of whatever community Mr. Gouin is released into," he said. Gouin's twin brother, Kevin Gouin, was sentenced in 2006 to 37 months in prison for possession of child pornography for the same incident.
The brothers' sister-in-law alerted Des Moines police that her adolescent son had seen child pornography on the computer the brothers shared, according to testimony and court records. Police found hundreds of printed images and numerous CDs and floppy disks containing child pornography.
Kenneth Gouin admitted he had acquired child pornography via the Internet. He told police that he had saved the images on his computer for years, and that he would regularly spend eight hours a day on the computer, according to court papers.
"He has molested children in the past, and his recent criminal conduct using the most graphic of photographs of child sexual molestation for his own sexual gratification fixes him on the very slippery slope leading to a return to actual molestation when the images no longer suffice," prosecutors said in a sentencing memo.
Kenneth Gouin, who holds Canadian citizenship, fled to Canada following the search and was extradited in October. He was convicted in a bench trial in U.S. District Court in Seattle in March.
He will likely be deported after he serves his prison sentence in the U.S., according to the U.S. attorney's office.
Kenneth Gouin was previously convicted of molesting children between November 1986 and January 1987. Kevin Gouin held no prior convictions, said Emily Langlie, spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's office.
Noelene Clark: 206-464-2321 or nclark@seattletimes.com
Monday, June 23, 2008
Investigators: Court system unwittingly helping ID thieves
By CHRIS INGALLS / KING 5 News
TACOMA, Wash. – Federal prosecutors have charged a man the KING 5 Investigators profiled last year with identity theft.
But that capture may reveal a more serious problem in the Washington state court system.
Curtis Leon Craft is charged with stealing 13 identities and about $120,000. mostly in Pierce County.
"The criminals are in the imagination business. If they can think up a way to commit identity theft. they will and they'll use it," said Social Security agent Joe Belling.
Craft is one of what the feds say is a growing number of identity thieves using legal name changes to commit their crimes.
In one afternoon, with few questions asked, a citizen can get a new name order signed by a judge and then take it to the Department of Licensing for a new identification.
"Not only are you using the courts. you're using the Department of Licensing, so you're getting legitimate agencies to assist you in committing a fraud." said Belling.
Last July. the KING 5 Investigators found more than 20 legal name changes by Craft, who used the new identities to open bank and credit card accounts. At that time, Social Security agents and King County Sheriff's detectives arrested a ring of identity thieves doing the same thing. They wrote bad checks and ran up credit cards until the accounts were closed and then started over again with a brand new court-ordered name change.
After King County courts realized what was happening. they made some changes to try and close the loophole. Pierce County has not made any changes. but a spokesperson says that system does do a background check on the criminal history of those who try to get their names changed.
TACOMA, Wash. – Federal prosecutors have charged a man the KING 5 Investigators profiled last year with identity theft.
But that capture may reveal a more serious problem in the Washington state court system.
Curtis Leon Craft is charged with stealing 13 identities and about $120,000. mostly in Pierce County.
"The criminals are in the imagination business. If they can think up a way to commit identity theft. they will and they'll use it," said Social Security agent Joe Belling.
Craft is one of what the feds say is a growing number of identity thieves using legal name changes to commit their crimes.
In one afternoon, with few questions asked, a citizen can get a new name order signed by a judge and then take it to the Department of Licensing for a new identification.
"Not only are you using the courts. you're using the Department of Licensing, so you're getting legitimate agencies to assist you in committing a fraud." said Belling.
Last July. the KING 5 Investigators found more than 20 legal name changes by Craft, who used the new identities to open bank and credit card accounts. At that time, Social Security agents and King County Sheriff's detectives arrested a ring of identity thieves doing the same thing. They wrote bad checks and ran up credit cards until the accounts were closed and then started over again with a brand new court-ordered name change.
After King County courts realized what was happening. they made some changes to try and close the loophole. Pierce County has not made any changes. but a spokesperson says that system does do a background check on the criminal history of those who try to get their names changed.
Motorist shot dead on I-5 near Tukwila
By GLENN FARLEY / KING 5 News
TUKWILA, Wash. - Gunfire on Interstate 5 left an 18-year-old man dead and the shooter at large.
The incident occurred at about 2:30 a.m., northbound on I-5 at the Boeing Access Road.
Police say it was no random crime.
"All we know is that the suspect vehicle followed the victim vehicle onto the freeway," said Sgt. Mark Howie. "And as they entered the ramp, the suspect vehicle took several shots at the victim vehicle ahead of him.
The other people in the car then drove the wounded driver to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he died.
"I'm not sure if the victim himself was targeted, but the vehicle was targeted. There were several occupants in the vehicle," said Howie.
Police are trying to determine if this is gang related. They still don't have a suspect.
They don't believe there is any connection between the I-5 shooting and another case where shots were fired near the Seattle City limits Saturday night.
"We don't see any connection at this time," said Howie.
Shootings have happened along I-5 before. In 2005, friends on their way out to a late night snack were fired at and the two women in the car were wounded. That was a possible case of road rage.
In 2001, I-5 was shut down shortly after nine in the morning after a convertible carrying two men and a dog was shot at in what police say was a definite case of road range. The men and the dog survived.
But police say in most cases freeway shootings are not random, but are cars that are specifically targeted.
If you were a witness to this crime or have any information, you're asked to call Tukwila Police detectives at 206-431-3891.
TUKWILA, Wash. - Gunfire on Interstate 5 left an 18-year-old man dead and the shooter at large.
The incident occurred at about 2:30 a.m., northbound on I-5 at the Boeing Access Road.
Police say it was no random crime.
"All we know is that the suspect vehicle followed the victim vehicle onto the freeway," said Sgt. Mark Howie. "And as they entered the ramp, the suspect vehicle took several shots at the victim vehicle ahead of him.
The other people in the car then drove the wounded driver to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he died.
"I'm not sure if the victim himself was targeted, but the vehicle was targeted. There were several occupants in the vehicle," said Howie.
Police are trying to determine if this is gang related. They still don't have a suspect.
They don't believe there is any connection between the I-5 shooting and another case where shots were fired near the Seattle City limits Saturday night.
"We don't see any connection at this time," said Howie.
Shootings have happened along I-5 before. In 2005, friends on their way out to a late night snack were fired at and the two women in the car were wounded. That was a possible case of road rage.
In 2001, I-5 was shut down shortly after nine in the morning after a convertible carrying two men and a dog was shot at in what police say was a definite case of road range. The men and the dog survived.
But police say in most cases freeway shootings are not random, but are cars that are specifically targeted.
If you were a witness to this crime or have any information, you're asked to call Tukwila Police detectives at 206-431-3891.
Man sentenced in Bellevue jewelry robbery
P-I STAFF
U.S. District Judge James Robart sentenced Sergio Santamaria, 38, of Mexico to 70 months in a federal prison Monday for the September 2007 armed robbery of a jewelry courier in the parking lot of a Bellevue McDonald's restaurant.
Santamaria and two confederates followed the courier from a Seattle hotel to the restaurant in the Factoria neighborhood, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The robbers used their van to block the courier's vehicle, pointed what appeared to be a gun at him and ordered him to turn over his wallet and keys. Then they smashed a back window and stole a pack containing about $221,000 in jewelry. All three robbers were captured after a police chase that ended off Interstate 90 near Snoqualmie.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Brown told the court in a sentencing memo that agents had been conducting surveillance on Santamaria and others who had traveled to the Seattle area from California with the intent to commit jewelry robberies.
U.S. District Judge James Robart sentenced Sergio Santamaria, 38, of Mexico to 70 months in a federal prison Monday for the September 2007 armed robbery of a jewelry courier in the parking lot of a Bellevue McDonald's restaurant.
Santamaria and two confederates followed the courier from a Seattle hotel to the restaurant in the Factoria neighborhood, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The robbers used their van to block the courier's vehicle, pointed what appeared to be a gun at him and ordered him to turn over his wallet and keys. Then they smashed a back window and stole a pack containing about $221,000 in jewelry. All three robbers were captured after a police chase that ended off Interstate 90 near Snoqualmie.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Brown told the court in a sentencing memo that agents had been conducting surveillance on Santamaria and others who had traveled to the Seattle area from California with the intent to commit jewelry robberies.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Three dead in separate weekend shootings
Two homicides occurred in King County, one in Pierce
By BRAD WONG
P-I REPORTER
Two men died from fatal shootings over the weekend in King and Pierce counties, making a total of three gun-related homicides in the area since Friday evening.
An 18-year-old man was fatally shot Sunday morning on Interstate 5 near the Boeing Access Road, Tukwila police reported. The shooting occurred about 2:30 a.m. as the man was driving northbound with friends, who were not injured.
His friends rushed him to Harborview Medical Center, where he died, police spokesman Mike Murphy said. Early Sunday, detectives did not have a description of the suspect or the person's vehicle.
In Pierce County on Saturday evening, sheriff's deputies responded to a domestic violence shooting in which they believe an 81-year-old father shot his 58-year-old son.
Deputies arrested the father and said there was a verbal and physical fight between the two men, Detective Ed Troyer of the Pierce County Sheriff's Department said. They believe one shot was fired.
The shooting occurred in the 22300 block of 30th Avenue East, near Fort Lewis.
In the Friday night incident, a 21-year-old man killed at a party in SeaTac has been identified as Brandon Wilkins, the King County Medical Examiner's Office said Sunday.
A spokesman said Wilkins' death has been ruled a homicide and that he died from a gunshot wound to his head.
King County sheriff's deputies were called at 9:30 p.m. to a home in north SeaTac, said Sgt. John Urquhart, an office spokesman. The man was dead when they arrived. Urquhart said deputies initially were investigating the shooting as accidental.
He said the shooter fled the house.
By BRAD WONG
P-I REPORTER
Two men died from fatal shootings over the weekend in King and Pierce counties, making a total of three gun-related homicides in the area since Friday evening.
An 18-year-old man was fatally shot Sunday morning on Interstate 5 near the Boeing Access Road, Tukwila police reported. The shooting occurred about 2:30 a.m. as the man was driving northbound with friends, who were not injured.
His friends rushed him to Harborview Medical Center, where he died, police spokesman Mike Murphy said. Early Sunday, detectives did not have a description of the suspect or the person's vehicle.
In Pierce County on Saturday evening, sheriff's deputies responded to a domestic violence shooting in which they believe an 81-year-old father shot his 58-year-old son.
Deputies arrested the father and said there was a verbal and physical fight between the two men, Detective Ed Troyer of the Pierce County Sheriff's Department said. They believe one shot was fired.
The shooting occurred in the 22300 block of 30th Avenue East, near Fort Lewis.
In the Friday night incident, a 21-year-old man killed at a party in SeaTac has been identified as Brandon Wilkins, the King County Medical Examiner's Office said Sunday.
A spokesman said Wilkins' death has been ruled a homicide and that he died from a gunshot wound to his head.
King County sheriff's deputies were called at 9:30 p.m. to a home in north SeaTac, said Sgt. John Urquhart, an office spokesman. The man was dead when they arrived. Urquhart said deputies initially were investigating the shooting as accidental.
He said the shooter fled the house.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
$100,000 bail for man who pretended he was a cop
Bail was set at $100,000 for a Vancouver, Wash., man charged with assaulting his prostitute girlfriend's client and claiming he was a cop...
By Kristin M. Kraemer
Tri-City Herald
Bail was set at $100,000 for a Vancouver, Wash., man charged with assaulting his prostitute girlfriend's client and claiming he was a cop when he tried to handcuff the man.
Jason Scott Williams, 35, pleaded innocent in Benton County Superior Court to first-degree kidnapping, first-degree robbery, first-degree criminal impersonation and second-degree promoting prostitution.
Williams is scheduled for trial Aug. 4.
It all started June 11 when a 67-year-old Irrigon man had a late-night rendezvous at the Clover Island Inn with a woman he contacted through an ad she posted on Craigslist. Williams reportedly was staying in the hotel room with his girlfriend, Julie Proper, but he was not there at the time.
After the Irrigon, Ore., man and the prostitute "finished their transaction," the man left the hotel only to run in to Williams outside, court documents said.
Williams "identified himself as a police officer and attempted to handcuff" the man, documents said.
The client resisted, but Williams eventually got him in cuffs, forced him into the man's car and took off driving, court documents said. "Fearing for his life, [the man] jumped out of the car as it was moving," Deputy Prosecutor Scott Johnson wrote in court documents.
The man eventually was flown to a Portland hospital with numerous injuries, including broken bones in his face and road rash.
The prostitute reportedly told police that her boyfriend likely became jealous and assaulted her client.
Williams allegedly helped his girlfriend run an Internet prostitution business.
By Kristin M. Kraemer
Tri-City Herald
Bail was set at $100,000 for a Vancouver, Wash., man charged with assaulting his prostitute girlfriend's client and claiming he was a cop when he tried to handcuff the man.
Jason Scott Williams, 35, pleaded innocent in Benton County Superior Court to first-degree kidnapping, first-degree robbery, first-degree criminal impersonation and second-degree promoting prostitution.
Williams is scheduled for trial Aug. 4.
It all started June 11 when a 67-year-old Irrigon man had a late-night rendezvous at the Clover Island Inn with a woman he contacted through an ad she posted on Craigslist. Williams reportedly was staying in the hotel room with his girlfriend, Julie Proper, but he was not there at the time.
After the Irrigon, Ore., man and the prostitute "finished their transaction," the man left the hotel only to run in to Williams outside, court documents said.
Williams "identified himself as a police officer and attempted to handcuff" the man, documents said.
The client resisted, but Williams eventually got him in cuffs, forced him into the man's car and took off driving, court documents said. "Fearing for his life, [the man] jumped out of the car as it was moving," Deputy Prosecutor Scott Johnson wrote in court documents.
The man eventually was flown to a Portland hospital with numerous injuries, including broken bones in his face and road rash.
The prostitute reportedly told police that her boyfriend likely became jealous and assaulted her client.
Williams allegedly helped his girlfriend run an Internet prostitution business.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Seattle police are investigating a string of rapes in the SoDo neighborhood, including two this morning.
Seattle police are investigating a string of rapes in the SoDo neighborhood, including two this morning.
By Jennifer Sullivan
Seattle Times staff reporter
Seattle police are investigating four sexual assaults in and around the SoDo neighborhood, including two this morning.
Officers are increasing patrols in SoDo and the densely wooded area at the base of Beacon Hill, known as "The Jungle," said police Sgt. Sean Whitcomb.
"We will be proactively searching for additional witnesses and any new victims who have not reported similar crimes," Whitcomb said..
Police said it appears that at least two men are responsible for the assaults.
Officers arrested a 42-year-old man this morning in connection with a 4:35 a.m. rape. He's also suspected in another attack today at 1:48 a.m., Whitcomb said.
But police do not think he is linked to the first two reported assaults.
The first rape occurred on June 8 in the 7000 block South Spokane Street. In that incident the victim was homeless, Whitcomb said.
Police received a report of an attempted rape on June 10 in the 3200 block of 3rd Avenue South. That victim also was homeless.
This morning's attacks occurred in the 1100 block of 14th Avenue South and 1700 block of Occidental Avenue South. Both victims told police they are not homeless, Whitcomb said.
Investigators with department's Sexual Assault Unit are investigating.
Jennifer Sullivan: 206-464-8294 or jensullivan@seattletimes.com
By Jennifer Sullivan
Seattle Times staff reporter
Seattle police are investigating four sexual assaults in and around the SoDo neighborhood, including two this morning.
Officers are increasing patrols in SoDo and the densely wooded area at the base of Beacon Hill, known as "The Jungle," said police Sgt. Sean Whitcomb.
"We will be proactively searching for additional witnesses and any new victims who have not reported similar crimes," Whitcomb said..
Police said it appears that at least two men are responsible for the assaults.
Officers arrested a 42-year-old man this morning in connection with a 4:35 a.m. rape. He's also suspected in another attack today at 1:48 a.m., Whitcomb said.
But police do not think he is linked to the first two reported assaults.
The first rape occurred on June 8 in the 7000 block South Spokane Street. In that incident the victim was homeless, Whitcomb said.
Police received a report of an attempted rape on June 10 in the 3200 block of 3rd Avenue South. That victim also was homeless.
This morning's attacks occurred in the 1100 block of 14th Avenue South and 1700 block of Occidental Avenue South. Both victims told police they are not homeless, Whitcomb said.
Investigators with department's Sexual Assault Unit are investigating.
Jennifer Sullivan: 206-464-8294 or jensullivan@seattletimes.com
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Former WA state employee pleads guilty to drug dealing
A former manager for the state Department of Labor and Industries faces more than three years in prison after pleading guilty to selling prescription drugs to a 16-year-old girl.
OLYMPIA, Wash. —
A former manager for the state Department of Labor and Industries faces more than three years in prison after pleading guilty to selling prescription drugs to a 16-year-old girl.
The 41-year-old man, James Loren Sanford, had enlisted his daughter's friend in a scheme to sell his pain medication at school and split the profit.
That girl's father blames Sanford for getting her hooked on OxyContin. She's now in rehab.
Sanford made a deal with prosecutors and pleaded guilty Tuesday in Olympia to five counts of distribution of a controlled substance to a person under 18 and to one count of involving a person under 18 in an unlawful controlled substance transaction.
He was fired in March.
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Information from: The Olympian, http://www.theolympian.com
OLYMPIA, Wash. —
A former manager for the state Department of Labor and Industries faces more than three years in prison after pleading guilty to selling prescription drugs to a 16-year-old girl.
The 41-year-old man, James Loren Sanford, had enlisted his daughter's friend in a scheme to sell his pain medication at school and split the profit.
That girl's father blames Sanford for getting her hooked on OxyContin. She's now in rehab.
Sanford made a deal with prosecutors and pleaded guilty Tuesday in Olympia to five counts of distribution of a controlled substance to a person under 18 and to one count of involving a person under 18 in an unlawful controlled substance transaction.
He was fired in March.
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Information from: The Olympian, http://www.theolympian.com
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Plea agreement in beating of grandfather in Wapato
A man has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of involuntary manslaughter in the beating of his grandfather near Wapato 11 1/2 years ago.
YAKIMA, Wash. —
A man has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of involuntary manslaughter in the beating of his grandfather near Wapato 11 1/2 years ago.
The plea agreement in the case of 31-year-old Gary Riggs was filed last week. He originally was charged with second-degree murder in the beating of 74-year-old Paul Lopez, a retired irrigation worker. The case was filed in U.S. District Court in Yakima because both men were members of the Yakama Indian Nation.
Lopez died at his home outside Wapato of a torn liver after being badly beaten in January 1997. Investigators say the beating followed a bar-hopping celebration in honor of Riggs' 21st birthday.
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Information from: Yakima Herald-Republic, http://www.yakima-herald.com
YAKIMA, Wash. —
A man has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of involuntary manslaughter in the beating of his grandfather near Wapato 11 1/2 years ago.
The plea agreement in the case of 31-year-old Gary Riggs was filed last week. He originally was charged with second-degree murder in the beating of 74-year-old Paul Lopez, a retired irrigation worker. The case was filed in U.S. District Court in Yakima because both men were members of the Yakama Indian Nation.
Lopez died at his home outside Wapato of a torn liver after being badly beaten in January 1997. Investigators say the beating followed a bar-hopping celebration in honor of Riggs' 21st birthday.
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Information from: Yakima Herald-Republic, http://www.yakima-herald.com
Man crashes into police gate, asks to be jailed
Authorities say a man drove into a security gate at the Moses Lake police parking lot, then asked to be jailed.
MOSES LAKE, Wash. —
Authorities say a man drove into a security gate at the Moses Lake police parking lot, then asked to be jailed.
Officers in the building heard the crash, went outside and saw 54-year-old Allen J. Pavese of Moses Lake backing away in a 1977 Chevrolet pickup truck.
Only the gate was damaged.
Pavese was arrested for investigation of first-degree malicious mischief, driving under the influence of alcohol and hit-and-run with property damage.
Capt. Dave Ruffin told the Columbia Basin Herald, "He wanted to go to jail. He said he did it on purpose."`
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Information from: Columbia Basin Herald, http://www.columbiabasinherald.com
MOSES LAKE, Wash. —
Authorities say a man drove into a security gate at the Moses Lake police parking lot, then asked to be jailed.
Officers in the building heard the crash, went outside and saw 54-year-old Allen J. Pavese of Moses Lake backing away in a 1977 Chevrolet pickup truck.
Only the gate was damaged.
Pavese was arrested for investigation of first-degree malicious mischief, driving under the influence of alcohol and hit-and-run with property damage.
Capt. Dave Ruffin told the Columbia Basin Herald, "He wanted to go to jail. He said he did it on purpose."`
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Information from: Columbia Basin Herald, http://www.columbiabasinherald.com
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Woman gets 14 years for torturing grandson
By MIMI JUNG / KING 5 News
TACOMA, Wash. – A Puyallup woman continues to deny she ever laid a hand on her grandson, even at her sentencing Friday for torturing the child.
Loni Venegas was found guilty of abusing the boy, who is now 13-years old.
"I realize that, like, how I was treated there wasn't really how normal kids are treated," said the boy, who KING 5 News is not identifying.
The boy moved in with his grandparents after his mother died in a car accident, only to endure years of abuse at the hands of Venegas.
"The tragedy didn't end there because he was placed into a family where he suffered horrific and unimaginable abuse that is detailed throughout this trial," said –
The boy testified Venegas punched him, choked him and used forks to hurt him. The case was made more egregious because the Department of Social and Health Services admitted it didn't investigate claims of abuse.
At her sentencing, Venegas' loved ones asked for leniency.
"And I don't understand what's happening right now because she did nothing wrong to anyone. She's a wonderful mother," said Jasmine Venegas, Loni's daughter.
Venegas herself claimed her innocence.
"I did nothing wrong and I love him like my own, she said.
But the judge ended up giving her the maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.
The boy's grandfather, Remil Venegas, is also charged in the case and is scheduled to go on trial next week.
TACOMA, Wash. – A Puyallup woman continues to deny she ever laid a hand on her grandson, even at her sentencing Friday for torturing the child.
Loni Venegas was found guilty of abusing the boy, who is now 13-years old.
"I realize that, like, how I was treated there wasn't really how normal kids are treated," said the boy, who KING 5 News is not identifying.
The boy moved in with his grandparents after his mother died in a car accident, only to endure years of abuse at the hands of Venegas.
"The tragedy didn't end there because he was placed into a family where he suffered horrific and unimaginable abuse that is detailed throughout this trial," said –
The boy testified Venegas punched him, choked him and used forks to hurt him. The case was made more egregious because the Department of Social and Health Services admitted it didn't investigate claims of abuse.
At her sentencing, Venegas' loved ones asked for leniency.
"And I don't understand what's happening right now because she did nothing wrong to anyone. She's a wonderful mother," said Jasmine Venegas, Loni's daughter.
Venegas herself claimed her innocence.
"I did nothing wrong and I love him like my own, she said.
But the judge ended up giving her the maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.
The boy's grandfather, Remil Venegas, is also charged in the case and is scheduled to go on trial next week.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Suspected auto thief aims rifle at trooper
By HECTOR CASTRO
P-I REPORTER
A state trooper took evasive action when a man in an SUV he was attempting to stop pointed a rifle at him at a Federal Way parking lot early Thursday.
The trooper was not hurt and no shots were fired, but the patrol car was briefly disabled by a flat tire, and the SUV sped off, Washington State Patrol Trooper Curt Boyle said.
State troopers, King County sheriff's deputies and Federal Way police later found the vehicle at an apartment complex, along with the rifle and some clothing. The two men who had been in the SUV got away.
The exchange happened at 12:30 a.m. in a shopping complex parking lot at South 312th Street and state Route 99.
The trooper was attempting to stop a red Ford Explorer, which was slowly driving through the lot, and could see the driver and passenger exchanging seats, Boyle said.
As the trooper pulled alongside the Explorer, the man now in the passenger seat pointed a rifle at the trooper. The trooper swerved out of the way, and that's when he hit a curb, flattening a tire.
The SUV sped off.
Officers found the vehicle, which turned out to be stolen, at the Tree Point Apartments near 18th Avenue South and South 308th Court. A K9 unit tracked down the rifle, hidden in some bushes, and two caps.
P-I REPORTER
A state trooper took evasive action when a man in an SUV he was attempting to stop pointed a rifle at him at a Federal Way parking lot early Thursday.
The trooper was not hurt and no shots were fired, but the patrol car was briefly disabled by a flat tire, and the SUV sped off, Washington State Patrol Trooper Curt Boyle said.
State troopers, King County sheriff's deputies and Federal Way police later found the vehicle at an apartment complex, along with the rifle and some clothing. The two men who had been in the SUV got away.
The exchange happened at 12:30 a.m. in a shopping complex parking lot at South 312th Street and state Route 99.
The trooper was attempting to stop a red Ford Explorer, which was slowly driving through the lot, and could see the driver and passenger exchanging seats, Boyle said.
As the trooper pulled alongside the Explorer, the man now in the passenger seat pointed a rifle at the trooper. The trooper swerved out of the way, and that's when he hit a curb, flattening a tire.
The SUV sped off.
Officers found the vehicle, which turned out to be stolen, at the Tree Point Apartments near 18th Avenue South and South 308th Court. A K9 unit tracked down the rifle, hidden in some bushes, and two caps.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Bainbridge vandals slash tires, spray-paint cop cars
By DEBORAH FELDMAN / KING 5 News
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash. – High school seniors are suspected of vandalizing eight police cars early Wednesday morning on Bainbridge Island.
Vandals slashed a dozen police tires, splashed paint, and keyed the doors of squad cars -- destruction estimated at about $12,000.
The vandalism occurred sometime between 2 and 3 a.m. while most of the cars were parked at the police station.
Among the damaged vehicles are several new cars not even in service yet. In addition, the chief's car was vandalized in front of his home.
"Well its not the first time there's been damage to police cars, but I think it's the first there's been anything of this magnitude," said Deputy Chief Mark Duncan.
But the culprits left behind several clues, including shoe imprints in the paint and their class year of 2008 painted all over the place.
During their lunch hour Wednesday, carloads of high school seniors drove by to gawk at the damage.
"This is not a class prank," said Ian Powell, senior class president. "I think this reflects individuals, not our entire school or grade. I think this went way too far if this was trying to be a prank."
The school superintendent says since it was likely the work of just a few people, there are no plans to penalize the whole class.
Some residents say there may be tension because police have been cracking down on a long held tradition of Bainbridge seniors painting their graduating year on streets and intersections.
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash. – High school seniors are suspected of vandalizing eight police cars early Wednesday morning on Bainbridge Island.
Vandals slashed a dozen police tires, splashed paint, and keyed the doors of squad cars -- destruction estimated at about $12,000.
The vandalism occurred sometime between 2 and 3 a.m. while most of the cars were parked at the police station.
Among the damaged vehicles are several new cars not even in service yet. In addition, the chief's car was vandalized in front of his home.
"Well its not the first time there's been damage to police cars, but I think it's the first there's been anything of this magnitude," said Deputy Chief Mark Duncan.
But the culprits left behind several clues, including shoe imprints in the paint and their class year of 2008 painted all over the place.
During their lunch hour Wednesday, carloads of high school seniors drove by to gawk at the damage.
"This is not a class prank," said Ian Powell, senior class president. "I think this reflects individuals, not our entire school or grade. I think this went way too far if this was trying to be a prank."
The school superintendent says since it was likely the work of just a few people, there are no plans to penalize the whole class.
Some residents say there may be tension because police have been cracking down on a long held tradition of Bainbridge seniors painting their graduating year on streets and intersections.
Boys accused in Lynden fire appear in cour
By ROB PIERCY and KING5.com Staff
LYNDEN, Wash. – Just two days after flames devoured a historic Lynden building, the two boys accused of starting the fire walked into court to face a judge.
Prosecutors say on Monday, one of the boys was celebrating his 14th birthday. He and his 13-year old friend went to the Delft Square Mall to smoke marijuana.
Up on the third floor they set fire to some papers in a frying pan, then set fire to a box and a shirt.
At that point, the fire got out of control. According to court papers, the boys tried to stomp it out, then tried using a fire extinguisher. When that failed, they left the building.
The two boys apparently talked with classmates about the fire, the classmates then told school security, who told police.
Court papers say one boy admitted involvement in the fire.
The fire destroyed the nearly block-long building, which has stood for 100 years.
In town on Wednesday, people were still talking about the fire and the loss.
"If it would have been during the night, we could have lost the whole downtown core," said Joel Kok.
"It's definitely sad," said Lean Hill. "There's a lot of people that are going to be struggling for a long time just because of one mistake."
The owner of an antique shop destroyed by the fire said his collection spanned 40 years, less than a quarter of it is insured and he doesn't know what he might be able to salvage.
"Everybody shopped in that store, everybody went there for everything they needed before the big malls came in," said Carol Preson, who owns a shop next door.
Smoke and water damage will keep her closed until July.
Like so many, she can't believe a piece of town history was lost to what one of the boys described to police as "messing around."
"I hope it teaches them a hard lesson, this is just not the thing they need to be doing," said Preston.
Bail was set at $1,500 for both teens. They will be arraigned next week on charges of first degree arson and first degree burglary.
LYNDEN, Wash. – Just two days after flames devoured a historic Lynden building, the two boys accused of starting the fire walked into court to face a judge.
Prosecutors say on Monday, one of the boys was celebrating his 14th birthday. He and his 13-year old friend went to the Delft Square Mall to smoke marijuana.
Up on the third floor they set fire to some papers in a frying pan, then set fire to a box and a shirt.
At that point, the fire got out of control. According to court papers, the boys tried to stomp it out, then tried using a fire extinguisher. When that failed, they left the building.
The two boys apparently talked with classmates about the fire, the classmates then told school security, who told police.
Court papers say one boy admitted involvement in the fire.
The fire destroyed the nearly block-long building, which has stood for 100 years.
In town on Wednesday, people were still talking about the fire and the loss.
"If it would have been during the night, we could have lost the whole downtown core," said Joel Kok.
"It's definitely sad," said Lean Hill. "There's a lot of people that are going to be struggling for a long time just because of one mistake."
The owner of an antique shop destroyed by the fire said his collection spanned 40 years, less than a quarter of it is insured and he doesn't know what he might be able to salvage.
"Everybody shopped in that store, everybody went there for everything they needed before the big malls came in," said Carol Preson, who owns a shop next door.
Smoke and water damage will keep her closed until July.
Like so many, she can't believe a piece of town history was lost to what one of the boys described to police as "messing around."
"I hope it teaches them a hard lesson, this is just not the thing they need to be doing," said Preston.
Bail was set at $1,500 for both teens. They will be arraigned next week on charges of first degree arson and first degree burglary.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Jail staff raising the alarm on proposed budget cuts
By HECTOR CASTRO
P-I REPORTER
The King County Corrections Guild is taking to the air to fight proposed budget cuts that would affect county jail facilities.
Beginning Monday, 60-second radio ads paid for by the guild began to play on several Seattle-area stations, urging listeners to contact the King County Council and Executive Ron Sims to oppose cuts that are being made to balance a budget shortfall. The county is facing a $68 million deficit.
Sims is proposing $33.3 million in cuts to criminal justice agencies alone, including the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention. Under the proposal, staff will likely be trimmed from Jail Health Services and alternative detention programs will be reduced.
The cuts could also force the King County Sheriff's Office to lay off 75 deputies and reduce the number of property crimes prosecuted in the courts. Sims must have a budget proposal ready for the County Council by this fall.
P-I REPORTER
The King County Corrections Guild is taking to the air to fight proposed budget cuts that would affect county jail facilities.
Beginning Monday, 60-second radio ads paid for by the guild began to play on several Seattle-area stations, urging listeners to contact the King County Council and Executive Ron Sims to oppose cuts that are being made to balance a budget shortfall. The county is facing a $68 million deficit.
Sims is proposing $33.3 million in cuts to criminal justice agencies alone, including the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention. Under the proposal, staff will likely be trimmed from Jail Health Services and alternative detention programs will be reduced.
The cuts could also force the King County Sheriff's Office to lay off 75 deputies and reduce the number of property crimes prosecuted in the courts. Sims must have a budget proposal ready for the County Council by this fall.
Othello WA man dead after being hit by deputy's car
OTHELLO, Wash. —
The State Patrol is investigating the death of an Othello man who apparently fell or jumped from a car he was a passenger in and was hit by an Adams County sheriff's deputy.
Leonel Maldonado Gonzalez was killed on Saturday night.
The Sheriff's Office reports deputy Kurt Berry was following two vehicles when the vehicle in front of him swerved sharply to the left into the lane of an oncoming vehicle.
It says the deputy then saw something dark in his lane and could not avoid hitting it.
When the 24-year-old Berry stopped, he discovered it was a person.
Paramedics were called, but the 33-year-old Gonzalez was pronounced dead at the scene.
Troopers were asked to investigate the accident.
After talking with several witnesses, investigators believe Gonzalez fell or jumped from a car.
The Adams County Coroner's Office is planning an autopsy.
---
Information from: Tri-City Herald, http://www.tri-cityherald.com
The State Patrol is investigating the death of an Othello man who apparently fell or jumped from a car he was a passenger in and was hit by an Adams County sheriff's deputy.
Leonel Maldonado Gonzalez was killed on Saturday night.
The Sheriff's Office reports deputy Kurt Berry was following two vehicles when the vehicle in front of him swerved sharply to the left into the lane of an oncoming vehicle.
It says the deputy then saw something dark in his lane and could not avoid hitting it.
When the 24-year-old Berry stopped, he discovered it was a person.
Paramedics were called, but the 33-year-old Gonzalez was pronounced dead at the scene.
Troopers were asked to investigate the accident.
After talking with several witnesses, investigators believe Gonzalez fell or jumped from a car.
The Adams County Coroner's Office is planning an autopsy.
---
Information from: Tri-City Herald, http://www.tri-cityherald.com
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Noise complaint leads to police shooting
P-I STAFF
A Redmond police officer shot and wounded a man armed with a knife early Saturday.
The shooting happened at 12:41 a.m. in the 8200 block of 149th Way Northeast, Redmond police reported.
The officer, 27, was responding to a noise complaint at the residence. He arrived to find that there had been a fight and that at least one of the men involved had a knife. The officer tried to arrest the knife-wielding man, and shot him when that man allegedly threatened him with the weapon.
Redmond police did not report how many times the man was shot, nor where he was hit. He was treated at the scene before being taken to a local hospital. His condition was unavailable.
The man who was shot is a 27-year-old Redmond man.
The officer, who has been with Redmond police for two years, was placed on paid leave while the shooting is reviewed. Redmond police have asked the King County Sheriff's Office to investigate.
A Redmond police officer shot and wounded a man armed with a knife early Saturday.
The shooting happened at 12:41 a.m. in the 8200 block of 149th Way Northeast, Redmond police reported.
The officer, 27, was responding to a noise complaint at the residence. He arrived to find that there had been a fight and that at least one of the men involved had a knife. The officer tried to arrest the knife-wielding man, and shot him when that man allegedly threatened him with the weapon.
Redmond police did not report how many times the man was shot, nor where he was hit. He was treated at the scene before being taken to a local hospital. His condition was unavailable.
The man who was shot is a 27-year-old Redmond man.
The officer, who has been with Redmond police for two years, was placed on paid leave while the shooting is reviewed. Redmond police have asked the King County Sheriff's Office to investigate.
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