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August 3rd, 2006

REPEAT OFFENDER CONVICTED OF MALICIOUSLY FLOODING SKAGIT COUNTY JAIL

SKAGIT COUNTY - On Tuesday, August 1, 2006 a Skagit County jury took only 16 minutes to convict Michael Elmore of three counts of Malicious Mischief in the First Degree for three separate incidents of flooding the Skagit County Jail after a two day trial.

Mr. Elmore had already been convicted of Assault in the Second Degree and Arson in the Second Degree and was awaiting transport to the Department of Corrections when the offenses occurred. The floods severely disrupted operations at the jail, forcing it to “shut down” for two hours on two occasions.

As a result of the conviction, Mr. Elmore will face an additional prison sentence of 43-57 months. Also, Mr. Elmore is still being held in the jail for another felony charge, Assault in the Second Degree, involving an alleged assault he committed against another inmate.

The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Erin Dyer. Michael Prince from the Whatcom County Public Defender’s Office represented Mr. Elmore.

Prosecuting Attorney Tom Seguine said, “Mr. Elmore mocked the jail staff at the time, saying that there was nothing that could be done to him because he was already going to prison. He claimed he had nothing to lose. This prosecution should send a message to him and other inmates who think the same way. It also has the side effect of preserving the integrity of the jail, including the safety and security of the jail staff and other inmates.”

For further information, contact Tom Seguine or Erin Dyer at 360-336-9460.