Prolific offender released from jail, cases dismissed

A prolific offender accused of exposing himself to women at a Ballard business, then assaulting the owner’s husband -- who was released from jail days later, only to return to the business and expose himself once more -- is out of jail again following his fourth arrest since October.

The Seattle Municipal Court said Seth Gordon’s cases, which included more than one arrest for assault, have been dismissed after a court-ordered evaluation found him incompetent to stand trial.

That means a protection order to protect the women at the Ballard business is no longer active. Those women told KIRO 7 Thursday they were informed of Gordon’s cases being dropped through a victim advocate.

The judge ordered he be referred to be evaluated for potential involuntary commitment for mental health treatment, according to the Seattle City Attorney’s Office. A spokesperson said the outcome is confidential because of HIPPA regulations.

Seattle Municipal Court spokesperson Gary Ireland said in a statement:

We understand the community's frustration. The court's Presiding Judge is actively participating as part of Mayor Durkan's High Barrier Individuals in our Social Services & Criminal Justice System Policy and Planning Working Group. He is hopeful this group will find solutions to help individuals who repeatedly come in contact with the criminal justice system and the communities they live in.

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