KENT, Wash. — The interim police chief of Algona, Washington has been released home after his initial court appearance in a case of theft. Lee J. Gaskill is accused of stealing more than $7,000 from a fund dedicated to training youth interested in becoming police officers.
The 43-year-old officer was put on paid administrative leave in mid-February, after the city of Algona began an administrative review of Gaskill’s conduct.
Mayor Dave Hill told KIRO 7 it was during that review that officers brought to their attention some discrepancies in the fund for the ‘explorer scouts’ fund.
Gaskill did not say anything in court Thursday. Because the situation did not involve a violent crime, a judge agreed he could be released home for now.
Court documents released after Gaskill’s hearing show that the mayor and city administrator asked the King County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the possible theft.
The document states Gaskill had an ancillary duty as a police explorer president: “Upon review of receipts, ledgers, bank statements for the last three years, it was apparent that Gaskill had used a bank account that funded the explorer program for personal use.”
Sources close to the investigation said he bought hotel rooms, meals and big-ticket items.
Joyce Moore, a bartender for Coco Joe’s Bar and Grill, said she was shocked to hear Gaskill was arrested by sheriff’s deputies.
“If we’ve had problems, he’s quick to respond. He’s walked through and told us how to better our business,” Moore said.
She said some of her customers describe Gaskill as “one of the good ones.”
She said she’d like to know more details of what happened.
A customer at the bar, Daniel Christianson, said he donated $5 to a police officer who collected funds two months ago.
“Officer came in, had his cap off, and had a $5 bill in it and was asking for donations for the children. And I go ‘Oh, OK, I’m all in for donations for children,’” Christianson said.
He said he’s not sure if this money went to the same ‘explorer scouts’ fund in question, but he’s upset that any money for children might have gotten into the wrong hands.
“I think it’s low. That is disgracing. Especially from the law,” he said.