Algona Interim Police Chief Lee Gaskill appeared in court today for a proceeding that lasted only two and a half minutes.
The judge allowed Gaskill to be released without posting bail, because he has a known and stable living address, no criminal history, and is charged with a non-violent offense.
Gaskill has worked for Algona Police Department for seven years and was a King County deputy for eight years before that.
He's now accused of stealing $7,000 from the city's Explorer Program, a program he headed for young men and women interested in law enforcement.
According to court documents "…upon review of the receipts, ledgers, and bank statements for the past three years, it was apparent that Gaskill had used a bank account that funded the Explorer program for personal use."
Gaskill also is the chairperson for the Washington Law Enforcement for Exploring Advisors, which helps facilitate Explorer programs through the state. That organization would not comment on the case.
His attorney Jim David said that Gaskill was keeping items from the Explorer's program at his home, like a golf cart decorated as a police car and a popcorn popper for events. He said Gaskill had already volunteered to return them and cooperate with investigators when he was arrested.
